Eye Infection Guide: What You Need to Know

If your eye feels gritty, red, or watery, chances are you’re dealing with an eye infection. Most of the time it’s not serious, but ignoring it can make things worse. This page breaks down the basics so you can act fast and keep your vision clear.

Common Types of Eye Infections

The word “eye infection” covers a few different problems. The most common one is conjunctivitis, also called pink eye. It shows up as redness, itching, and a discharge that can make your eyelids stick together in the morning.

Another frequent culprit is a stye – a painful lump on the edge of the lid caused by an infected gland. Styes usually feel like a small boil and may cause swelling around the eye.

Bacterial keratitis is less common but more serious. It attacks the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, and can lead to blurry vision or even scarring if left untreated. If you notice sudden pain, light sensitivity, or hazy sight, see a doctor right away.

How to Treat and Prevent Them

Most mild infections clear up with simple home care. Warm compresses applied for five minutes several times a day can loosen crusts and soothe irritation. For bacterial pink eye, doctors often prescribe antibiotic eye drops; make sure you finish the whole course.

If it’s viral, there’s no specific medicine, but keeping the eye clean and avoiding touching it helps speed recovery. Over‑the‑counter lubricating drops can ease dryness and discomfort.

Styes usually shrink on their own with warm compresses. Resist the urge to squeeze or pop them – that can spread the infection deeper.

Prevention is easier than you think. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or applying contact lenses. Replace eye makeup every three months and avoid sharing towels or pillowcases.

If you wear contacts, follow the cleaning schedule exactly and give your eyes a break with glasses now and then. Disinfecting solutions that contain hydrogen peroxide work better than basic saline for killing germs.

When you’re in public places, keep a bottle of saline solution handy to rinse out any irritants. It’s also smart to carry a small pack of sterile eye wipes if you’re prone to allergies.

If symptoms get worse after 48 hours – more pain, swelling, or vision changes – book an appointment. Early treatment prevents complications and gets you back to normal faster.

Bottom line: notice the signs early, use warm compresses, keep everything clean, and don’t hesitate to see a professional if things don’t improve. Your eyes are worth the extra care.