Eye Infections

Eye infections can cause discomfort, vision changes, and in some cases, permanent changes to your vision. Board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon Mark Heimmel, MD, at Eye Care Specialists, provides diagnosis and treatment when you have the signs of an eye infection. Dr. Heimmel can help relieve your symptoms and protect the health of your eyes. If you have redness, itching, or other eye infection symptoms, call the East Windsor, New Jersey, office or schedule an appointment online today.

What are the symptoms of an eye infection?

Suspect an eye infection if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Swelling
• Discharge

You should have these symptoms checked by Dr. Heimmel as soon as possible to prevent the progression or spread of the infection. He offers all types of medical eye care to resolve your eye infection.

What causes eye infections?

Eye infections result when bacteria, viruses, or fungi invade your eye or the surrounding tissues. Some infections, such as pink eye, are quite contagious. Infections can affect the inside of your eye and your cornea — the clear dome that covers and protects your eyes.

What are the types of eye infections?

There are several types of eye infections, including:

Conjunctivitis 

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an infection of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane that covers the

white part of your eye. An infection of the conjunctiva causes the tissue to become inflamed and the blood vessels enlarged.

The two primary types of conjunctivitis are:

• Viral conjunctivitis : The most common type of pink eye, viral conjunctivitis is caused by the same viruses that cause a cold or upper respiratory tract infection.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis : The condition causes soreness in your eyes and discharge. It’s typically caused by staph or strep bacteria.

Conjunctivitis can also be “allergic.” This eye allergy results when airborne substances, such as

pollen or dust mites, irritate the conjunctiva. This type of pink eye is not contagious.

Blepharitis and cellulitis

Blepharitis and cellulitis are two infections that affect your eyelids. Blepharitis occurs due to bacterial infection that begins at the base of your eyelashes. It’s often caused by inflamed oil glands and results in red, swollen eyelids.

Cellulitis affects just your eyelid, or it can begin in the eye socket and cause eyelid swelling.

Uveitis

This infection develops in the middle layer of your eye or the uvea. It develops suddenly, with symptoms such as red eyes. Sometimes you’ll also have pain, blurry vision, and floaters.

Keratitis

Keratitis is an infection of the cornea caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. People who wear contact lenses are at most risk of keratitis, especially if they don't care for them properly. Keratitis causes symptoms such as an inflamed, swollen cornea, pain, redness, and changes in vision.

If you have signs of an eye infection, call Eye Care Specialists right away or schedule your appointment online today.