Changes in eye discharge should always be reported immediately to an eye care professional for assessment. A sample may even be collected and sent for laboratory analysis.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person through germ transfer, leading to itchy eyes, watery discharge and heavy discharge that often results in itchy lids, watery discharge and tear production. Common symptoms may include itching, watery discharge and heavy tearing.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis is an eye disease caused by Acanthamoeba organisms and can result in scarring, blindness and severe pain. Symptoms may include severe discomfort, thick fluid-like discharge, blurred vision or reddening and inflammation on the eye surface – the risk of which increases with contact lens wearers as well as people who have weakened immune systems such as those living with HIV/AIDS or cancer having compromised immune systems being at greater risk of this infection.

Acanthamoeba, a free-living protozoa found both aquatic environments and soil, causes this infection. This parasite exists in two distinct forms: dormant cyst and motile trophozoite. Acanthamoeba attaches itself to human corneas by way of surface proteins containing carbohydrate binding sites which enable Acanthamoeba to enter through and attack its epithelium layer.

Once inside, amoebas can quickly spread and destroy corneal tissue, making this eye infection difficult to diagnose without laboratory testing. To detect Acanthamoeba infection in this way, tissue samples from around the eye must be cultured for Acanthamoeba bacteria; however, this test yields limited results and interpretation may be difficult.

Step two is performing real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This test offers higher sensitivity than culture but requires special equipment for its implementation. While its results can verify diagnosis, they cannot provide absolute confirmation.

As herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis can look similar to Acanthamoeba keratitis, many patients initially present with HSV keratitis. To ensure an accurate diagnosis is made, all 24 corneal scrapings and tissues were cultured for Acanthamoeba using species-specific antisera; additionally 17 contact lens cases were cultured as well. Of the identified Acanthamoeba species: A. castellanii, A. polyphaga and A. rhysodes

Trachoma

Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, is one of the main preventable causes of blindness worldwide and remains one of the leading contributors. Epidemics typically spread by direct contact between infected people, particularly children, or through flies carrying eye or nasal discharge. It is especially prevalent in remote and poor rural regions in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Australia. Infection causes scarring of both the conjunctivae (membrane under the eye) and cornea, leading to reduced vision. Severe scarring may even render the cornea opaque and cause permanent blindness. Trachoma symptoms typically include red eyes, excessive tears, eyelid swelling and light sensitivity. Women are more prone to developing it due to being close with children and experiencing more episodes of infection than men.

Trachyma is not only one of the primary causes of blindness; it also leads to other medical complications, including facial disfigurement, low self-esteem and increased sexual transmitted infection risks. Furthermore, it keeps children out of school while adults don’t work which in turn contributes to poverty in affected communities despite being highly treatable and preventable affecting 1.5 billion worldwide.

Trachoma initially appears as reddened eyelids and irritation of eyes and eyelashes, leading to reddening and constant itching of them. Over time, an infection recurs and scarring forms on the inner surface of eyelids while eyelashes turn inward, irritating corneas and ultimately leading to irreparable damage; when eyelashes are turned inward they may scratch and scrape at it, leading to its opaqueness and leading to blindness.

Trachoma is one of the world’s most easily preventable and treatable infectious diseases, yet remains one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. A comprehensive approach called SAFE: Surgery, Antibiotic Treatment, Facial Cleansing, and Environmental Improvement has proven most successful at combatting it; in addition, teaching children proper hygiene can also reduce its spread. Currently 13 countries have achieved complete elimination using SAFE’s approach while others continue making strides.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition in which swelling or inflammation occurs in the clear layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye and inner edge of eyelids, usually as a result of viral or bacterial infection; however, other triggers include air irritants like pollen or smoke, chlorine pool chlorine levels in swimming pools, contact lens solutions/cosmetic products with chemicals/ingredients that contain chlorine as well as household and garden cleaners; sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia or gonorrhea) as well as environmental pollutants.

Conjunctivitis typically presents itself with watery or mucopurulent discharge from the eyes, itching, and redness of eyelids, swelling of eyelids (often puffy and swollen) and bloodshot eyes. People suffering bacterial conjunctivitis typically have both eyes affected, often worsened in the morning; its symptoms can spread easily via direct contact or through fomites with bacteria present such as towels or pillowcases containing them.

Viral conjunctivitis is typically more mild than its bacterial counterpart and often resolves itself over time without intervention from medical practitioners or hospital stays. Isolation precautions and taking a few days off work or school while symptoms fade may be necessary while they heal naturally, while antiviral medication may be prescribed if required (i.e. when caused by Adenoviruses).

Physical examination and review of history are two essential parts of diagnosing conjunctivitis. Your physician will ask about medications you are currently taking as well as symptoms you have been experiencing, before performing an exam using handheld light and microscope (slit lamp) examination of both eyes. In certain instances, they may send eye secretions samples off for lab analysis to identify type and severity of infection; should antibiotics be necessary, your doctor may prescribe drops or ointment until symptoms improve; continuing taking any prescribed treatment until informed otherwise by physician.

Styes

A stye (also referred to as hordeolum) is a painful red bump caused by bacteria infecting eyelashes or the inner eyelid, usually appearing around infants’ eyes but can affect people of any age. Styes typically last four days under treatment and two weeks without it; triggers include overproduction of oil or lack of proper hygiene practices.

symptoms of styes may include pain, tenderness and itching around the eye; watery or pus-like discharge from the eyes; white spot on cornea; light sensitivity (photophobia); and blurred vision. It is best to seek professional assistance immediately upon experiencing such symptoms as it is unadvisable to attempt self-treating as this could spread bacteria further and damage vision.

Apply a warm compress several times each day for several days until the symptoms of styes have subsided, in order to relieve pressure and speed rupture of the stye – similar to how pimples work – thus relieving any pressure and encouraging rupture. Never squeeze a stye as this may spread the infection further and result in a more serious eye condition called chalazion.

Fungal eye infections can be difficult to identify due to their unique presentation. Fungus often enters through tear ducts, or as a side effect of surgery or injury.

If diagnosed with a fungal infection, antifungal drops or oral medication can be given to treat the infection and it is also important that eyes and hands stay clear so as to prevent additional infection. It is advised that patients avoid touching eyes and hands in order to protect themselves from further contamination.

Fungus infections typically resolve on their own; however, in more serious cases they may require minor surgical procedure to drain it out of their eye. Furthermore, patients should practice frequent hand washing and use hand sanitizer to help avoid spreading further fungus to other parts of their bodies.