Eye inflammation is a condition that occurs when the tissues of the eye become infected. Dust, dirt, allergens, or microbes can lead to infections on the surface of the eye. This condition, commonly referred to as an infection, is medically known as eye inflammation or eye infection. Often starting with simple redness and watering, if untreated, it can impair visual quality and lead to complications.
What is Eye Inflammation?
Eye inflammation is the development of an infection in the eye tissues caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Infection of the eye can manifest with various conditions such as conjunctivitis, stye, and blepharitis. It can affect the eyelids, the surface of the eye, or the inner layers of the eye.
Eye inflammation can be treated with antibiotic-containing drops or ointments. However, in severe cases, there may be other treatment methods recommended by a specialist.
What Are the Symptoms of Eye Inflammation?
Symptoms of eye inflammation include redness, itching, watering, discharge from the eye, and sensitivity. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the inflammation and which area of the eye it affects. Common symptoms are:
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Redness: Prominent blood vessels in the eye and persistent redness are primary symptoms.
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Swelling: Swelling and edema can occur in the eyelids.
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Watering and discharge: Clear watering is seen in viral infections, while yellow-green dense discharge occurs in bacterial infections.
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Crusting: Intense crusting, to the extent that it causes the eyes to stick together in the morning, indicates eye inflammation.
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Pain and stinging sensation: There may be discomfort, burning, or stinging in the eye.
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Sensitivity to light (photophobia): Individuals with eye infection may find it challenging to look at light.
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Blurred vision: In advanced cases, visual clarity may decrease.
What Causes Eye Inflammation?
Eye inflammation can be caused by various factors such as exposure to bacteria, viruses, or allergens. Common causes include:
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Bacterial infections: Touching the eyes with dirty hands, using lenses in unhygienic conditions, or sharing personal items can lead to eye infection. This is one of the common causes of bacterial eye inflammation.
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Viral infections: During flu and cold seasons, eyes can easily get infected. Viruses settle on the eye surface, leading to conjunctivitis and are contagious.
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Fungal infections: Rare but can increase the risk of eye infection in individuals with weakened immune systems.
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Allergic predisposition: Allergens like pollen, dust, or animal hair make the eye surface sensitive. In such cases, the eye can become easily infected and open to infections.
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Contact lens use: Long-term, unhygienic, or improper use are among the most common factors that predispose eyes to infection.
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Swimming pools and common areas: Insufficiently clean pool water or shared towels can lead to eye infection.
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Traumas and foreign bodies: Minor injuries to the eye provide an easy entry point for microbes.
How is Eye Inflammation Treated?
Eye inflammation, or eye infection, if left untreated, can threaten visual health. Therefore, the cause of inflammation is first identified during the treatment process. Bacterial eye inflammations are commonly treated with antibiotic-containing drops or ointments. Medications inhibit microbial growth, preventing the progression of infection.
In viral eye inflammations, treatment relies on supportive methods. Antiviral drops are only used in specific cases, while ensuring eye hygiene, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and allowing them to rest are essential. Temporarily discontinuing contact lens use during this period is critically effective in preventing infection and accelerating recovery.
Allergic eye inflammation treatment starts with eliminating the factors triggering the allergy. Antihistamine and corticosteroid drops used under medical supervision may reduce itching, redness, and watering. Additionally, it should not be forgotten that allergic individuals' eyes can be susceptible to infection, and hygiene rules should be adhered to.
Supportive treatments are important for every eye inflammation. Cold compresses can reduce redness and swelling. Keeping the eyes clean, washing hands frequently, and not sharing personal items help prevent the spread of infection.
Recommendations to Prevent Eye Infection
Since eye inflammation develops from microbes contacting the eye, adhering to hygiene rules is essential. In daily life, washing hands frequently, minimizing touching the eyes, and avoiding contact with the eyes with dirty hands significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Not sharing personal items is another important point in preventing eye infection. Items like towels, pillowcases, makeup products, or lens solutions provide a medium for germs to spread easily. Thus, they should be used exclusively by the individual and cleaned regularly.
Contact lens users need to pay extra attention to hygiene rules. Not using lenses beyond the recommended duration, removing them before sleep, and regularly renewing lens solutions greatly reduce the risk of microbial contamination.
Shared spaces also pose a risk to eye health. Insufficiently cleaned pools are among the most common factors leading to eye infection. Thus, protective swimming goggles should be preferred while swimming, and eyes should be washed with clean water after pool activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the eye gets infected?
When the eye gets infected, symptoms such as redness, watering, crusting, and sensitivity to light may occur. If the infection progresses, it can impair visual quality, and if untreated, it may lead to serious eye problems.
What should be done for an infected eye?
Firstly, avoid rubbing the eye and pay attention to hygiene. If symptoms persist, a consultation with an ophthalmologist should be sought without delay.
What helps an infected eye?
Cold compress applications and maintaining eye hygiene may provide temporary relief. However, for a definitive solution, drops or medications recommended by an eye doctor should be used.
What happens if eye inflammation is not treated?
Untreated eye inflammation may lead to the infection progressing to deeper layers. This condition could result in serious complications, including vision loss.