5 Telltale Signs of an Eye Infection

An occasional crying jag, an all-night study session, and a dry, windy day can irritate your eyes. Any eye irritation can make you wonder whether you have an eye infection.

Dr. Sophia Barnes takes the guesswork out of it by performing a professional eye exam at Vision Corner in Houston, Texas. Our private practice offers you the luxury of unhurried appointments, where you and Dr. Barnes can get to know one another and team up on your long-term eye health.

If you suspect an eye infection, call us. Here are five signs that should prompt you to pick up the phone.

How to spot an eye infection

Eye infections can be bacterial, fungal, or viral, and each has different symptoms. Here are some signs to watch for.

1. Redness and irritation

Not all red and irritated eyes are infected, but all infected eyes are red and irritated.

Various infections can inflame the tiny blood vessels on the eye’s surface. If your eye looks constantly bloodshot or feels persistently itchy, it might be more than fatigue or allergies. 

2. Discharge

Discharge from the eye, especially if it’s yellow, green, or thick, is usually a sign of an infection — and it often accompanies bacterial infections. The discharge may cause your eyelids to stick together, especially upon waking up. 

While a little bit of crustiness in the morning is normal, call us if you notice any substantial or unusual discharge.

3. Blurred vision

Infections like keratitis, which affects your cornea, can lead to vision changes because it causes inflammation that affects how light enters your eye. 

4. Sensitivity to light

Infected eyes are often hypersensitive to light, a condition known as photophobia. Even moderate light levels might seem excessively bright and cause pain. 

This sensitivity occurs because inflammation affects how your eye processes light. Using sunglasses or dimming lights might help temporarily, but you should see Dr. Barnes for treatment when sensitivity persists.

5. Swelling

Swelling around the eyes, particularly the eyelids, can signal an infection. Swollen, puffy eyelids result from bacterial infections or allergic reactions. 

If heat, redness, or pain accompany the swelling, you likely have an infection that needs medical treatment.

Types of eye infections

As noted, eye infections come in several varieties from various sources. The most common are:

Conjunctivitis: Pink eye

Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” is an inflammation or infection of the whites of your eyes, the conjunctiva, that can be viral, bacterial, or allergic. Viral conjunctivitis affects adults more often, while bacterial forms are more common in children. Fortunately, Dr. Barnes offers pediatric eye exams. 

If you have itchiness, a gritty feeling, and pink or red eyes, you’re likely dealing with conjunctivitis. Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your eyes to prevent spreading the infection.

Keratitis: A hidden risk of contact lenses

Keratitis, an infection or inflammation of the cornea, can occur if you wear, clean, or store your contact lenses improperly. Symptoms include redness, pain, and blurred vision. If left untreated, keratitis can lead to scarring and even permanent vision loss. Depending on the cause, Dr. Barnes may treat it with antibiotics or antiviral eye drops.

Endophthalmitis: A medical emergency

Endophthalmitis is a severe infection inside of the eye that often appears after surgery or an injury. To prevent blindness, call Dr. Barnes immediately or seek urgent care if you experience eye pain, redness, or vision changes.

Cellulitis: Infected lids

Eye cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the skin around your eyes. Preseptal cellulitis affects the eyelids, while orbital cellulitis affects the eye socket. 

Look for swelling, redness, and sometimes fever. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, and severe cases might require hospitalization.

Stye: That pesky bump on your eyelid

A stye is an infected eyelash follicle or oil gland in your eyelid. It appears as a red, painful lump that looks like a pimple. Warm compresses can alleviate discomfort and speed up healing. Most styes resolve on their own with at-home care, but persistent ones may need Dr. Barnes’ attention.

Blepharitis: Inflammation at the lid’s edge

Blepharitis causes inflamed eyelids thanks to bacteria or clogged oil glands. You'll notice redness, swelling, and itchiness around your eyelids. With a mild case, you can manage symptoms by cleaning your lids with water and baby shampoo, but persistent or severe cases might need antibiotic or steroid treatment.

Uveitis: When inflammation hits the iris

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the eye’s middle layer. It often goes hand in hand with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Uveitis usually involves redness, but you may also notice floaters in your vision. Steroids can reduce the inflammation. 

If you suspect an eye infection, don’t wait to get treatment. Call Vision Corner or make an appointment online with Dr. Barnes today.