Eye
Infections: Your Eye Infection Can Have Many Causes
Whether
they affect one eye or both, eye infections can be sudden
and frightening. Since eyesight is terribly important and
the eyes seem so susceptible to damage, just the thought
of eye infections is alarming. You may think of the eye
as one body part, but eye infections can be located in different
parts of the eye and have different symptoms.
Eye
infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
One of the most common eye infections is a pink
eye infection, also known as conjunctivitis. A stye
is another well-known eye infection. Symptoms of eye infections
can be as varied as redness, itching, pain, vision problems,
and discharge. Here are some common eye infections and a
brief description of each:
Pink
eye infection (conjunctivitis): This is one of
the most common and contagious eye infections and it is
often found in children. Pink eye causes swelling in the
tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. Pink eye may
be caused by a bacteria, virus, allergen, or substance like
shampoo, dirt, or smoke.
Stye
or sty: A stye is a painful, red bump on the edge
of your eyelid or inside your eyelid. The bump of a stye
may resemble a pimple or boil and it is usually filled with
pus. The stye also causes symptoms of light sensitivity
and tearing. Styes are caused by a bacterial infection that
develops near the root of an eyelash.
Blepharitis:
Blepharitis is a common eye infection that results in eyelid
inflammation. Blepharitis is usually caused by bacteria
or scalp dandruff.
Dacryocystitis:
Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac, or tear
sac, which is a small chamber where tears are able to drain.
Dacryocystitis occurs because of a blockage of the nasolacrimal
duct and a bacterial infection, causing the eye to ooze,
become red, and be watery.
Disturbances
in vision, pain in the eye, swelling, and redness are all
indications that you may have been exposed to one of the
many eye infections that are contagious, or these symptoms
could be related to eye allergies.
Receiving quick care for your eye infections and allergies
is important so that the ailment does not spread to the
other eye or cause eye damage.
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