Your eyes are constantly exposed to the elements in your environment, regardless of whether you are inside or outside. This exposure puts your eyes at risk of injury, allergies, and viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. A severe eye infection can significantly impair your vision and put your eye health at risk. At Wichita Optometry in Wichita and Mulvane, KS, we offer treatment for eye infections and other eye issues. These frequently asked questions from your Wichita optometrist near me provide greater insight into eye infection causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What Causes Eye Infections?
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi are the leading causes of eye infections. Other possible causes of eye infections are eye allergies, eye irritation, and eye injury. Eye infections can also occur due to extensive contact lens usage and foreign objects getting caught in your eye.
What Are Some of the Different Types of Eye Infections?
We treat several kinds of eye infections at Wichita Optometry, including:
• Pink eye, or conjunctivitis – a bacterial or viral infection of the clear tissue lining the interior of your eye
• Keratitis – a fungal, viral, or bacterial infection of the cornea of your eye
• Blepharitis – an infection that occurs from clogged oil glands on your eyelashes
• Dacryocystitis – inflammation of your tear duct
• Styes – a pimple that emerges on your eyelid due to infected oil glands
You should schedule an eye exam with your optometrist to get an accurate diagnosis of your eye irritation issues.
How Do I Know If I Have an Eye Infection?
You may have an eye infection if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
• eye redness and inflammation
• pain
• colored discharge from your eyes
• sensitivity to light
• burning sensation in your eyes
• tender eyelid
• blurred vision
An examination by your eye doctor will determine if you have an eye infection, an eye injury, or other eye issues.
Are Eye Infections Contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are both very contagious. You must stay away from anyone who has this condition to avoid exposure. Exposure could put your eye and vision health at risk.
Should I Stop Wearing Contacts if I Have an Eye Infection?
You should remove contacts when you have an eye infection and use glasses until the infection clears. Wearing contacts can worsen your eye infection symptoms. You must wash your contacts thoroughly after eye infection treatment before you use them again.
How Are Eye Infections Treated?
Your optometrist may prescribe eye drops, oral medication, or antibiotic ointments to treat your eye infection. Your optometrist will determine the type and severity of your eye infection and choose a treatment that best suits your needs. We will also recommend home remedies that can help relieve symptoms.
See Your Wichita, KS, Optometrist Near Me for Urgent Eye Care
Eye infections can significantly damage your eye and vision health if left untreated, so contact Wichita Optometry in Wichita and Mulvane, KS, for urgent eye care that will keep your eyes and vision strong. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (316) 942-7496 to get the urgent eye care you need to keep your eyes and vision healthy.