Eye infections can cause various unpleasant symptoms, including red or itchy eyes, gritty sensation in the eye and blurry vision.

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating infections that affect the eyes, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. Ophthalmologists specialize in this area.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, or eyelid conjunctivitis, is the mucous membrane lining the inside of an eyelid and covering its sclera up to the cornea. It may become inflamed for various reasons and is highly contagious – especially among school-going children and classroom environments – often spreading from person to person by bacteria, viruses or chemical agents.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by staphylococcus or streptococcal bacteria spread via contact between people’s hands, eyes and the hands and fingers touching them, or shared makeup or facial lotion. Poor hygiene practices, dirty towels and shared eye makeup or lotion are other contributing factors. Furthermore, acute Chlamydia or Gonorrhea infections or herpes simplex virus infections transmitted via fomites such as contacts or towels as well as sexual transmission can all increase the risk of conjunctivitis symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is caused by an adenovirus and can spread rapidly. Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis include teary eyes, itchy eyelids and redness in addition to feeling as though there is something lodged in one or both eyes. Patients diagnosed with viral forms of conjunctivitis should use isolation precautions and take antibiotic ointments prescribed by their physician in order to lower their chances of spread.

Chemical conjunctivitis can be caused by contact with various irritants such as smoke or air pollution, chlorine found in swimming pools or chemicals used to clean eyes. Chemical irritants can produce an intense burning sensation in the eyes, itching, swelling and reddening. They could even cause permanent eye damage and it is important that care should be taken when dealing with cleaning solutions, nail polishes, perfumes, gases or compounds containing chemicals.

Your optometrist can diagnose conjunctivitis by conducting an eye exam and reviewing symptoms, including eye secretions testing or cultures to ascertain which infection type exists. Once diagnosed, they may recommend eye drops or ointments for treating discomfort and itching as necessary; within days your discomfort and itching should subside and your vision should return to normal.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis, also known as Blephthitis, causes reddened and itchy eyelids with dandruff-like crusts around their base, as well as reddening of your eyes themselves. Though not completely curable, Blepharitis may still be managed through proper eyelid hygiene measures.

Blepharitis occurs when oil glands near your eyelashes become blocked up, such as by skin conditions such as seborrheic blepharitis or rosacea; or from infections or parasites like eyelash mites or lice (stye). Though blepharitis may be painful, it typically doesn’t pose permanent damage to vision.

Anterior and posterior blepharitis are two different types. Anterior blepharitis typically appears on the front of your eyes at the line where eyelashes attach; it is more prevalent among individuals with oily skin and dandruff on their scalp and eyelashes, such as people who suffer from oily skin conditions and have oil gland dysfunction (meibomian gland dysfunction or dandruff of eyelashes). An infection or allergy such as a stye could trigger this form of blepharitis; alternatively it could come from oil gland dysfunction within your eyelids such as meibomian gland dysfunction or even just generalized eyelid dandruff (meibomian gland dysfunction or dandruff of eyelashes) caused by meibomian gland dysfunction or dysfunction of oil glands within eyelids that leads to increased oil gland secretions).

Treatment for blepharitis involves eyelid hygiene to thoroughly clean the area around your eyes. You should gently brush this area using a washcloth soaked with warm (not hot) water and mild cleanser; warm compresses, cotton swabs or gauze pads may also help in clearing away crusts or debris that accumulates. Avoid scrubbing this area around your eyes which could cause further irritation or even permanent damage.

Your doctor can prescribe medications to treat your blepharitis, including eye drops and ointments that kill excess bacterial growth; topical steroids; calcineurin inhibitors may also help control it; they may even suggest a special diet to reduce inflammation and itching. It’s essential that you follow any recommendations provided by your physician, because failing to do so could recur and create other issues; especially if there’s an underlying cause such as dandruff or skin condition such as rosacea; taking control can take time; when results become visible.

Stye

(stye) An infection of the meibomian gland that secretes lubricant onto the conjunctiva. A stye forms when this opening becomes blocked and pressure builds up inside, leading to pain and discomfort. While painful, treating a stye with warm compresses and antibiotic eye drops should quickly resolve its effects.

Blepharitis and styes may be symptoms of another medical issue; if you’re concerned by your symptoms, consult with your physician for additional insight and treatment recommendations. Alternatively, learn about common eye conditions by exploring this section of our site.

Trachoma

Trachoma is an eye disease caused by repeated infections with Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Over time, repeated infection leads to scarring on the inner surface of upper eyelids which results in distortion and the insertion of one or more eyelashes into the cornea causing scratched and scarred patches on its surface. Over time this may lead to loss of vision in older adults and women. Trachoma is one of the primary causes of blindness in developing countries.

Chlamydia trachomatis can lead to infection through various strains known as serovars, each with different characteristics. Serovar A and B are often responsible for eye diseases like trachoma while Serovars D-K are often responsible for genital Chlamydia infections in men. Infants born through birth canals contaminated by maternal bacteria may become infected while passing through birth canals infected by serovar A or B bacteria and contract neonatal conjunctivitis from serovar A or B bacteria.

Environment factors can exacerbate infection, including poor sanitation, overcrowded living conditions and insufficient personal hygiene practices. Rural residents are more prone to contracting trachoma than their urban counterparts; young children especially may be susceptible as their immune systems haven’t fully matured yet. It can spread via eye-to-eye contact, the use of contaminated towels or handkerchiefs or insects such as flies.

Trachoma symptoms may include discharge from the eyes, red, inflamed and watery eyes as well as itchy or watery eye symptoms, with blindness potentially being risked if this condition goes untreated.

Treatment options for trachoasis may include oral antibiotics and an ointment that will eliminate infection and decrease inflammation, while surgery may also be an option to help reduce risk and cut down antibiotic use in future.

An eye care professional will assess a patient for signs of trachoma and send an eye sample for lab analysis to confirm its presence, in order to provide treatment recommendations. Global efforts have proven successful at eliminating this disease; experts predict its eradication by 2020.