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.