Who Is at Risk for Eye Infections
Bacterial infections are among the most common types of eye infections. They occur when bacteria enter the eye through touch, contaminated water, or contact with an infected person. Bacterial conjunctivitis, sometimes called pink eye, is one of the most frequent forms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2023, bacterial conjunctivitis affects 6 million people in the United States each year. This type of infection often causes redness, swelling, and a thick discharge that may crust over the eyelids during sleep.
Bacterial keratitis is a more serious form of bacterial infection that affects the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. This condition can cause pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Without proper treatment, bacterial keratitis may lead to lasting damage to the cornea. People who wear contact lenses, have a weakened immune system, or have had a recent eye injury face a greater risk of developing bacterial infections.
Viruses can also cause eye infections. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and spreads easily through direct contact or by touching surfaces that carry the virus. It often starts in one eye and then spreads to the other. Symptoms include watery eyes, redness, and a gritty feeling, as though something is stuck in the eye.
Herpes simplex virus is another cause of viral eye infections. This virus can affect the cornea and may return more than once over time. Each episode can cause further irritation or scarring if it is not managed properly. Viral infections of the eye usually run their course on their own, but antiviral medications may be needed in more serious cases to help control the virus and reduce the chance of complications.
Fungal eye infections are less common than bacterial or viral types, but they can be quite serious. They are most often seen in people who have had an eye injury involving plant material, such as a branch or thorn. Farmers, gardeners, and people who spend a lot of time outdoors may face a higher risk. Fungal keratitis affects the cornea and can progress slowly, making it harder to detect in the early stages.
Symptoms of fungal eye infections include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light. These infections often take longer to treat than bacterial infections. Antifungal medications may need to be used for several weeks or even longer. Early diagnosis is important because fungal infections can cause significant harm to the eye if treatment is delayed.
People who wear contact lenses have a higher risk of developing eye infections compared to those who do not. Sleeping in contact lenses, wearing them longer than recommended, or not cleaning them properly can all raise the chance of infection. Bacteria, fungi, and even a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba can cling to contact lenses and cause serious infections.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but severe infection that is closely linked to contact lens use. It can be very painful and difficult to treat. To lower your risk, you should wash your hands before handling your lenses, replace your lens case regularly, and use fresh solution each time you store your lenses. If you notice any redness, pain, or changes in your vision while wearing contacts, remove them right away and contact your provider.
How Eye Infection Treatment Works
For bacterial eye infections, antibiotic eye drops or ointments are the most common form of treatment. These medications work by killing the bacteria or stopping them from growing. Your provider will choose the antibiotic that is most likely to work against the type of bacteria causing your infection. In some cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection has spread beyond the surface of the eye.
Viral eye infections are treated differently. Mild viral conjunctivitis may not require medication and will often improve on its own within one to two weeks. However, if the infection is caused by herpes simplex or another virus that can damage the eye, antiviral eye drops or oral antiviral medications may be prescribed. These medications help control the virus and reduce the risk of scarring or other complications.
It is very important to complete the full course of any medication your provider prescribes, even if your symptoms start to improve before the medication is finished. Stopping treatment too early can allow the infection to return or become harder to treat.
Fungal eye infections require antifungal medications, which may be given as eye drops, oral pills, or in some cases, injections directly into the eye. Treatment for fungal infections typically lasts longer than treatment for bacterial infections. You may need to use antifungal drops for several weeks, and your provider will want to see you for follow-up visits to check how well the treatment is working.
In rare and severe cases, such as fungal endophthalmitis, which is an infection inside the eye, surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue. This is uncommon, but it highlights the importance of seeking care early so that infections can be treated before they reach this stage.
Along with prescription medications, there are steps you can take at home to support your recovery. Cool compresses placed gently over closed eyelids can help ease swelling and discomfort. Artificial tears may be used to keep the eyes moist and reduce irritation. You should avoid wearing contact lenses until your provider says it is safe to do so again. Washing your hands often and avoiding touching your eyes can help prevent spreading the infection to others or to your other eye.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you arrive for your appointment, your provider will begin by asking about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and any recent activities that may be related, such as contact lens use or exposure to someone with an eye infection. A detailed history helps guide the examination.
Your provider will then use a slit lamp, which is a special microscope with a bright light, to look closely at the front surface of your eye. This tool allows your provider to see the cornea, conjunctiva, and other structures in detail. If a bacterial or fungal infection is suspected, a small sample may be collected from the surface of the eye using a gentle swab. This sample is sent to a laboratory for a culture, which helps identify the exact germ causing the infection so that the most effective treatment can be chosen.
Most eye infections can be treated during a regular office visit. However, some infections are medical emergencies that need immediate attention. Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the tissue around the eye that can spread to the brain if not treated quickly. Symptoms include severe swelling of the eyelid, pain with eye movement, fever, and bulging of the eye.
Endophthalmitis is another emergency. This infection occurs inside the eye and can develop after eye surgery or a penetrating eye injury. Symptoms include sudden and severe pain, a sharp drop in vision, and intense redness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek care right away. Washington Eye Institute offers emergency eye care services, and our team is available to help with urgent situations at our Greenbelt, Rockville, and Cumberland locations.
After your examination, your provider will explain what type of infection you have and what is causing it. You will learn about your treatment options and receive clear instructions on how to use any medications that are prescribed. Our team encourages you to ask questions so that you feel confident about your care plan. If additional tests are needed, such as lab cultures, your provider will let you know when to expect results and whether any changes to your treatment may be needed based on those results.
Your Journey Through Eye Infection Care
During the first few days of treatment, you may notice that your symptoms begin to ease. Redness and discharge may start to decrease, and any pain or discomfort should gradually lessen. It is normal for improvement to happen slowly, especially with fungal infections, which tend to respond to treatment over a longer period. Even if you feel better quickly, continue using your medications as directed by your provider.
You should also take steps to avoid spreading the infection. Wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing towels or pillows, and do not touch your eyes unless necessary. If you have children at home, remind them to wash their hands as well, since conjunctivitis spreads easily in schools and day care settings.
Your provider may ask you to return for one or more follow-up visits to monitor how your infection is healing. During these visits, your provider will re-examine your eye using the slit lamp and may repeat certain tests. Follow-up care is especially important for infections that affect the cornea, such as keratitis, because scarring of the cornea can affect your vision over time.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2023, more than 2.4 million eye injuries occur in the United States each year, many of which can lead to secondary infections if not properly managed. This statistic shows why follow-up care and monitoring are so important for protecting your long-term eye health.
Once your infection has cleared, your provider may recommend steps to help reduce the chance of future infections. This could include changes to your contact lens routine, better hand-washing habits, or protective eyewear for certain activities. If your infection caused any scarring on the cornea, your provider will discuss whether further treatment is needed to support your vision.
Our team at Washington Eye Institute is committed to helping you protect your eye health for the long term. Whether you need routine care or treatment for a complex infection, our fellowship-trained specialists at our Greenbelt, Rockville, and Cumberland offices are ready to assist you.
Questions and Answers
The most common symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, a gritty or burning feeling, watery or thick discharge, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. The specific symptoms you experience may vary depending on whether the infection is bacterial, viral, or fungal. If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to contact your provider for an evaluation.
No. If you suspect you have an eye infection, you should remove your contact lenses right away and switch to glasses until your provider examines your eyes. Wearing contacts during an infection can trap germs against the surface of the eye and make the infection worse. Your provider will let you know when it is safe to return to wearing contact lenses after your infection has healed.
The time it takes to recover depends on the type and severity of the infection. Mild bacterial conjunctivitis may improve within a few days of starting antibiotic drops. Viral conjunctivitis often takes one to two weeks to resolve on its own. Fungal infections tend to take the longest, sometimes requiring several weeks or more of treatment. Your provider will give you a more specific timeline based on your individual case.
Many eye infections are contagious, especially viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. They can spread through direct contact with the infected eye, contaminated hands, or shared items like towels and makeup. Fungal infections and some other types are generally not spread from person to person. To protect others around you, wash your hands often and avoid sharing personal items while you are being treated.
You should seek emergency care if you experience sudden and severe eye pain, a rapid loss of vision, significant swelling around the eye, fever along with eye symptoms, or if your eye appears to be bulging forward. These may be signs of a serious infection such as orbital cellulitis or endophthalmitis, which require immediate medical attention. Washington Eye Institute offers emergency eye care services to help in these situations.
There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of eye infections. Wash your hands before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your provider's instructions for cleaning and replacing your contact lenses and lens case. Avoid swimming or showering while wearing contacts. Do not share eye makeup, towels, or eye drops with others. Wear protective eyewear when doing yard work or activities that could cause eye injury. If you have questions about prevention, our team at Washington Eye Institute is happy to help.