What Are the Symptoms of a Serious Eye Infection?

Eye infections can range from mild irritations to serious conditions that may threaten your vision. Recognizing the symptoms of a serious eye infection early is crucial for seeking timely treatment and preventing complications. Here’s a guide to help you identify the signs of a serious eye infection and what steps to take if you experience any of these symptoms.
 

Types of Serious Eye Infections

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Although conjunctivitis is commonly mild, certain forms, particularly bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, can be serious and require medical attention.
   

• Keratitis: This is an infection of the cornea, often caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. It can result in vision loss if not treated promptly.
   

• Endophthalmitis: A rare but serious infection that affects the inside of the eye. This infection often occurs after eye surgery or trauma and requires immediate medical treatment.
   

• Uveitis: Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can be caused by infections and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
   

Common Symptoms of a Serious Eye Infection

• Severe Redness: While redness can occur from many causes, such as allergies or tiredness, intense redness, especially in one eye, may indicate an infection. This redness is often accompanied by other symptoms like pain or discharge, signaling a more severe issue.
   

• Pain or Discomfort: Eye infections that cause persistent or sharp pain should never be ignored. Unlike the discomfort caused by dryness or minor irritations, pain from an infection may worsen over time and could signify a more serious underlying problem.
   

• Swelling of the Eyelids or Around the Eye: If you notice swelling around your eye or eyelids, especially if it's coupled with tenderness, it could be a sign of an infection. Swelling can occur in response to inflammation as your body tries to fight off the infection.
   

• Discharge from the Eye: Clear or watery discharge may not be cause for concern, but if you experience thick, yellow, green, or white discharge, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection like conjunctivitis. Discharge may also cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleeping.
   

• Blurred Vision: Any changes to your vision, including blurred or cloudy vision, should be taken seriously. Blurred vision may be a symptom of an infection like keratitis, which affects the cornea. This condition can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
   

• Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Eye infections that affect deeper structures of the eye can cause light sensitivity. If you find that even mild light exposure is causing significant discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
   

• Foreign Body Sensation: Feeling like there is something in your eye, even when there isn’t, is another symptom of a serious infection. This sensation is often caused by corneal infections, where the outer layer of the eye becomes inflamed or infected.
   

• Tearing or Watery Eyes: While tearing can be a reaction to irritants, persistent excessive tearing, especially when paired with other symptoms like redness or pain, could indicate an infection.
   

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to see an eye doctor immediately. Delaying treatment can result in worsening symptoms and potentially permanent damage to your vision. Serious eye infections often require prescription medications, including antibiotic or antiviral eye drops or oral medications, to resolve.
 

Preventing Eye Infections

Prevention is key to avoiding eye infections. Here are some tips to protect your eyes:
 

• Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes.
   

• Follow proper hygiene when handling contact lenses, including regular cleaning and replacing them as recommended.
   

• Use protective eyewear in environments where eye injuries could occur.
   

• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, eye makeup, or contact lens cases.
   

Get in Touch with Hunter Family Vision Today 

While some eye infections may resolve on their own, serious infections can lead to complications if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for protecting your vision and preventing long-term damage.
 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, contact Hunter Family Vision to schedule an eye exam. Visit our office in Leawood or Prairie Village, Kansas. Please call (913) 681-8555 or (913) 381-2323 to book an appointment. For after-hours urgent care, please call (913) 204-0239.