Eye Infections Treatment Specialist in Lehigh Acres FL

Symptoms of an eye infection can be quite noticeable and uncomfortable. They may be present in one or both eyes, the most common symptoms of an eye infection are:

• Eye pain
• Itching
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes
• Prickly sensation
• Redness
• Discomfort
• Fluid discharge
• Swelling
• Dryness
• Flaky eyelids

There are a few common denominators to indicate if an eye infection has been caused by a viral or bacterial infection. A viral infection like pink eye is one of the most common eye infections many will get, and can often be accompanied by upper respiratory symptoms, you will also see clear or white discharge accompanied by a viral infection. While a bacterial infection is usually identified by either a green or yellowish discharge. If you are prescribed antibiotics by your doctor for conjunctivitis and it does not resolve within the 3-to-4-day timeline that it should, your doctor may note it as a viral infection. Itchy eyes are more commonly associated with allergic conjunctivitis, which can also be highly contagious like pink eye, and quite unpleasant.

If you leave an eye infection, thinking it will heal on your own, you may be greatly mistaken. An infection if left without proper treatment, can lead to inflammation and blockage of the eye’s tear drainage system which can lead to dacryocystitis.

Dacryocystitis is an infection of the tear sac (medically known as lacrimal sac), this happens when there is a blockage in the tear duct.

However, an infection can also be an underlying cause of a corneal ulcer, which also resembles similarities to an abscess on the eye. If left untreated, a corneal ulcer can lead to severe or complete vision loss in the affected eye(s).

Normally, an infection will clear up with proper treatment within 7 to 14 days. In some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks or longer to clear up fully. If you are suffering from a more severe infection, and over-the-counter medical products are not helping, our doctors can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms.

If you cannot see a doctor right away for an eye infection, the fastest way to help an eye infection is with salt or saline water. It is natural and one of the most effective ways to help with an eye infection, as it is similar to your teardrops which is your eye’s way of naturally cleansing itself.

Fall and winter bring along all of the colds, flu, and infections seasons. Now is the time to know when an eye irritation will need medical attention or not.

At any time, if your eye infection is accompanied by a fever, excessive discharge, or pain, it’s recommended you see a doctor immediately. Your eyes are some of the most sensitive parts of your body and could be a number of factors as to why you may be feeling discomfort and irritation in your eyes, some of which may require medication.

A few irritations you could have occurred with your eye include:

Pink eye
Anyone can contract pink eye. Pink eyes is very contagious and can easily be caught, the symptoms to watch for with pink eye will depend upon the type of pink eye you have contracted. Bacterial pink eye symptoms are itchy eyes accompanied by a thick, yellow pus-like discharge that can make your eyes difficult to open upon waking up. Viral pink eye cannot be treated with antibiotics, and must just run its course which is anywhere between 1 to 3 weeks. The symptoms are teary eyes, swollen lymph nodes and lighter more translucent looking discharge.

Styes
Styes are inflamed oil glands that occur due to bacteria getting in there and resulting in swollen, red and painful bumps on the eyelid, usually along the lash line or under the lid. Styes can normally go away on their own, but often patients will see a doctor to get a prescription for a topical or oral antibiotic or have it drained through a minor surgical procedure.

Allergies
Allergies from the seasonal weather, pets or other allergies could cause irritation, itchiness, watery, swollen and red eyes. These are all signs of an allergy, which if it causes enough irritation, and over-the-counter medication does not help subside the symptoms, a doctor’s visit may be in order.

Foreign objects
Anything from sand, dirt, sawdust can cause irritations and scratch the cornea, which is the clear covering of the front of your eyes. Symptoms of foreign objects being in your eye include pain, redness, watery, and sensitivity to light.

Contact lenses
Contact lenses can also cause irritation to your eyes, especially if you do not properly care for them. Long-day wear can cause your eyes to become dry, which can cause irritations. You should never wear contact lenses if your eyes are red or already irritated, it will worsen this. Call us or schedule an appointment today, so we can evaluate and examine you to offer the right treatment option. We serve patients from Lehigh Acres FL, Fort Myers FL, Buckingham FL, Cypress Lake FL, Gateway FL, Cape Coral FL, Palmona Park FL, and Alva FL.