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What Are the First Signs of an Eye Infection? 

March 1 2023

Eye infections are a common and potentially serious problem. They can be caused by either an external irritant like dust or pollen, or an infection in the body that has spread to the eye. Eye infections can affect both children and adults, but they are more common in children since they have less resistance to viruses than adults do. 

Read on as a Marysville, WA optometrist talks about what causes eye infections and signs to watch for.

What Causes Eye Infections?

There are a number of different causes for eye infections. The most common are bacteria, viruses and fungi. Bacteria can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) or keratitis (corneal ulcers). Viruses like herpes simplex virus 1 can also cause corneal ulcers. Fungi may be responsible for infection if you wear contact lenses that aren’t cleaned properly.

Allergic reactions to something in the environment are another common cause of irritation to your eyes–especially seasonal allergies like pollen or dust mites. 

Signs of Eye Infection to Watch for

Pain and Redness

An eye infection can cause intense pain, redness and scratching. 

Floaters

You may experience blurred vision or floaters. Floaters are small specks that float across your field of vision, often seen as a shadow or haze in front of your eye. 

Swelling

Swelling around or under your eye is a sign that you may be experiencing an infection. It can also be a sign of an allergic reaction, eye injury, or tumor. 

Discharge

You may see a discharge coming from your eye. This can be clear, yellow or green in color and may be thick, thin or watery. It may also be accompanied by pain or redness in the eye.

Sticky Eyelids or Eyelashes

If your eyelids try to stick together, it could be a sign of conjunctivitis. This is a common condition that affects the mucous membrane lining that runs along your eyelids and eye socket. 

Light Sensitivity

If you experience light sensitivity, it’s important to visit your eye doctor. This symptom can be a sign of an eye infection or other condition that requires treatment. 

If you notice any of these signs, you should see an eye doctor right away. Don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own or try to treat it yourself. Also, don’t wait until the infection gets worse and spreads to other parts of your body!

And if you have more questions or wish to schedule an eye exam, please feel free to call us your local Marysville, WA optometrist, anytime!

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