• By EYE Q India
  • September 15, 2021
General Eye Care

What causes an infection in the eyes?

Infections of the eyes are most commonly caused by viruses, bacteria, and/or fungus. These germs are omnipresent, even on our skin. Hand-to-eye contact (especially while eye rubbing) allows bacteria to enter eyes where they don’t belong, leading to infection.

Types of Eye Infections

  1. Conjunctivitis 

Pinkeye is a contagious eye disease. Conjunctivitis is a conjunctiva infection that causes your eyes to turn pink. A bacteria or a virus may cause it. It is contagious!

  1. Keratitis

This is an infection of the cornea caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, or parasites found in water. It is more common amongst contact lens wearers. It is NOT contagious.

  1. Stye

It usually appears as painful red lumps on eyelids or at the base of your lashes. Severe cases can lead to lid swelling. It is NOT contagious.

  1. Cellulitis 

Cellulitis is a fungal and bacterial condition that affects the skin. It has the potential to harm the skin and eyes. Preseptal and orbital are two types of cellulitis. It is NOT contagious.

  1. Endophthalmitis

An infection of the fluid or tissue within the eye is known as endophthalmitis. It requires urgent medical attention, otherwise, it may result in blindness.

Fungal eye infections

Infections caused by fungi are rare, but they may be dangerous if they occur. If you use spectacles but don’t clean them correctly, you may develop one. Following an eye injury, several fungal eye infections develop. The symptoms of a fungal eye infection may emerge anywhere from several days to weeks after the fungus enter the eye. A fungal eye infection has symptoms that are similar to those of other kinds of eye infections (such as those caused by bacteria) and may include:

  • Pain in the eyes
  • Redness in the eyes
  • Vision is blurred
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Excessive Tearing

Only a specialist can tell you what type of infection you have in your eyes. Book an appointment with the best eye specialists at Eye-Q Super Speciality Eye Hospitals.