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Eye Infections – Hello Health Hub
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What is an eye infection?
An eye infection is generally known as conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis comes in a variety of forms and causes.
Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria or viruses. Non-infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies or irritation. Conjunctivitis is usually a minor ailment that goes away on its own after 5 to 14 days, depending on the cause.
Main types of conjunctivitis
There are 4 main types of conjunctivitis inflammation:
Viral Conjunctivitis
- Infection of the eye caused by a virus
- Can be caused by several different viruses, such as adenoviruses
- Very contagious
- Sometimes can result in large outbreaks depending on the virus
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Infection of the eye caused by certain bacteria
- Can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or, less commonly, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Can be spread easily, especially with certain bacteria and in certain settings
- Children with conjunctivitis without fever or behavioural changes can usually continue going to school
- More common in kids than adults
- Observed more frequently from December through April
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- The body’s reaction to an allergen
- Not contagious
- Occurs more frequently among people with other allergic conditions, such as hay fever, asthma, and eczema
- Can occur seasonally when allergens such as pollen counts are high
- Can also occur year-round due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites
Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritants
- Caused by irritation from a foreign body in the eye or contact with smoke, dust, fumes, or chemicals
- Not contagious
- Can occur when contact lenses are worn for longer than recommended or not cleaned properly
Eye infection symptoms include:
- Red irritated eye(s)
- Grittiness and discomfort in the eye(s)
- Sticky mucous/ discharge from the eye(s)
- Light sensitivity
- Redness behind the eyelid
- Swelling of the eyelids, making them appear puffy
- Excessive tears
- You should not have any change in your vision
Conjunctivitis Treatments
Eye infection treatments to try at home:
- Avoiding rubbing the eyes
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water before touching the eye
- Avoid wearing contact lenses while you have conjunctivitis
- Using separate towels to others to avoid spread
- Avoiding close contact with others during the contagious period (up to approximately 7 days after onset of symptoms)
- Applying a cold compress and/ or refrigerated artificial tears drops to relieve irritation
- Washing the eye with a saline eye bath or cooled, boiled water
- Using sterile eye wipes or cotton wool dipped in cool, boiled water to wipe the eye clean
- Applying antihistamine drops if your conjunctivitis is caused by allergies such as hay fever
How a pharmacist can help with conjunctivitis:
- A pharmacist can provide you with information about medications that may be of us
- They can help you to determine if your conjunctivitis may be contagious or not
- They can also advise the best eye drops, eye ointments & eye wipes to lessen the symptoms
When to contact your GP:
- You have pain in the eye
- You have changes in your vision
- Your symptoms don’t improve after a week
- You keep getting conjunctivitis
- The person with conjunctivitis is less than one month old
Treatment for conjunctivitis that a GP might offer:
- Antibiotic eye drops
- Antibiotic eye ointments
- Antihistamine eye drops
- Steroid eye drops
- Antiviral tablets
