About Eye Infections
Eye infections are often passed on from one individual to the next when someone touches their eyes without having washed their hands. They can be produced by bacteria, a virus, or a fungus and are frequently very communicable. Patients with eye infections can experience discomfort, inflammation, stinging, and itchiness in their eyes. While some eye infections will resolve with OTC remedies, others may require professional treatment. In the event of an eye infection, the expert team at Lawrence Family Practice Center can provide urgent treatment at our office in Lawrence, KS. We routinely treat adults and children with conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes, fungal eye infections, blepharitis, and keratitis.
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How Are Eye Infections Diagnosed and Treated?
Even though infections of the eye are extremely common and easily treatable, even minor infections can lead to a lot of discomfort. During an appointment at Lawrence Family Practice Center, we will examine your eyes and talk to you about your symptoms. We might also order diagnostic tests to establish the kind of infection you are dealing with. Diagnosing the type of and cause of the infection is important to establishing your treatment plan and discouraging infections in the future. Your treatment plan will be based on the type of eye infection and whether it is viral or bacterial. Treatment for eye infections may include prescription eye drops, topical steroids, antibiotics, or antiviral medications.
Common Eye Infections FAQ
How do I know if I have an eye infection?
Signs of an eye infection include redness, itching, swelling, discharge, pain, and sensitivity to light. Some infections may cause blurred vision or the sensation of a foreign object in the eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention at Lawrence Family Practice Center to prevent complications.
What types of eye infections are most common?
Common eye infections include pink eye, blepharitis, keratitis, and styes. Each type of infection has distinct symptoms and may require different treatment approaches.
Are eye infections contagious?
Some eye infections, such as viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person's tears or contaminated surfaces. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding sharing personal items, can help reduce the risk of transmission.
Immediate Care for Eye Infections
Although eye infections are almost always minor, it's a good idea to have them checked out by a trained professional. If you have persistent eye discomfort or inflammation, schedule an appointment at Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS. Our doctors are extremely skilled in providing relief for eye infections in patients of all ages.