Lesser Talked About Eye Infections

Have you ever developed a red itchy eye with pus coming out of it? Contrary to what you think, it may not be a reaction to dust and pollen. Instead, you could be battling bacterial or other lesser-known eye infections.

Most people do not know enough about eye infections. While most will not affect your eyesight, they will make the next days painful. Learning about the illness you have could help you manage the symptoms better.

The information below covers some lesser-talked-about eye infections you could develop. It will cover the symptoms, medical treatments, and causes. Keep scrolling to learn more.

Eye Infection Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Endophthalmitis

This disease describes eye inflammation caused by a bacterial infection that affects the vitreous or aqueous humors. The aqueous humor allows the cornea to expand, transport nutrients, and protects the eye from dust, particles, and bacteria. On the other hand, the vitreous humor consists of sugar, salt, and collagen. It maintains the eye’s round shape and ensures it remains attached to the retina while improving visual clarity.

There are two types of endophthalmitis:

• Exogenous Endophthalmitis. It is when the infection goes into the eye from an external source. It is more common after eye surgeries such as cataract surgery. Once you develop exogenous endophthalmitis, it will cause poor wound healing and extra fluid loss.
• Endogenous Endophthalmitis. This is when the infection spreads to the eye from another part of the body. Delayed diagnosis will affect vision and increase the risk of mortality.

Once you develop the infection, the symptoms onset quickly. You will experience eye pain, more severe if you just underwent eye surgery. Swelling, redness, and pus from the eye will quickly follow. This will affect vision and may lead to vision loss.

Some people develop milder symptoms weeks after surgery. They include blurred vision, mild eye pain, and discomfort when looking at bright lights. However, you should see an eye specialist as soon as you develop symptoms.

Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. However, antibiotics in the eye are the first thing your doctor will recommend. Doctors will also remove any foreign bodies present in the eye. In the meantime, avoid rubbing your eye. You can also wear sunglasses to help with light sensitivity.

Trachoma

This highly contagious infection is the leading cause of preventable blindness. This disease is a public health problem in over 40 countries. It can cause blindness in patients without quick treatment.

Trachoma occurs due to a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through contact with an infected patient’s nose and throat secretions, eyes, and eyelids. You can get the disease by also touching an infected item of the patient, such as handkerchiefs and pillowcases.

Flies that have contacted the infected fluids can also spread the infection. In addition, young children are more susceptible to the disease.

Symptoms of the condition start with mild itching and eye irritation. It then transitions to swelling, light sensitivity, pain, and redness. Patients may also notice discharge with pus and mucus.

The more severe symptoms may not emerge until adulthood since the disease progresses slowly through five stages.

Patients receive azithromycin (Zithromax) antibiotic pills to treat the disease. Surgery is also necessary to correct the eyelid position if the lashes have turned inward. Some patients also need corneal transplants to restore sight.

Uveitis

It is a type of eye inflammation which affects the middle layer of tissue in the uvea or eyewall. The uvea supplies blood to the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. Blood supply from the uvea makes it look red. Uveitis is not always severe, but it can cause vision loss. Additionally, it can affect one or both eyes.

In many cases, the cause of the disease remains unknown, primarily because it affects healthy people. When doctors determine the cause, it is often linked to an autoimmune or inflammatory disorder. It can also occur due to infections such as herpes and aids.

Some medications also cause uveitis as a side effect. Finally, some eye injuries and surgeries can cause the disease.

Symptoms start with redness, eye pain, and light sensitivity. You may also develop blurry vision, dark floating spots, and decreased vision. The symptoms can either start suddenly and worsen quickly or develop gradually.

Doctors treat uveitis with steroid drops or oral steroids. People with body-wide infections also get antibiotics.

Orbital Cellulitis

This is the infection of the soft tissues and fat that hold the eye in the socket. This severe condition can cause permanent vision loss without immediate treatment. It is more common in young children but is not contagious.

Orbital Cellulitis occurs due to bacterial infection by either streptococcus species or Staphylococcus aureus. Many cases start as untreated sinus infections which spread to the orbital septum. However, other bacteria and fungi can cause the disease.

Symptoms are similar in adults and children, starting with pain in or around the eye plus a visibly protruding eye socket known as proptosis. Patients will also experience inflammation, redness, nasal tenderness, discomfort when moving the eye, fever, headaches, and discharge from the eye and nose.

Patients will have trouble opening the eye without treatment and eventually develop vision impairment.

Doctors treat the condition with intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Doctors go for IV because the infection spreads quickly. Additionally, you will need in-patient care so the doctor can monitor your progress regularly.

If antibiotics do not work, doctors will recommend surgery. The procedure will drain fluid from the sinuses or the infected eye socket to slow down the infection. Children often recover by antibiotics, while adults are more likely to get surgery.

Remember:

When you develop any of the eye infections above, you must avoid rubbing or scratching your eye. Your hands could transfer germs to the eye, making the condition worse. It could also cause severe irritation.

Until you get a diagnosis, avoid contact with other people to prevent spreading the symptoms. In addition, do not wait too long to get a diagnosis as late treatment could cause visual impairment. See your eye specialist as soon as you notice symptoms.