Types of Eye Infections and How to Overcome Them

Eye infections are generally characterized by red, painful, watery, sore eyes, and sensitivity to light. Other symptoms that sufferers also often complain about are feeling like something is stuck in the eye and blurred vision.

Causes of Eye Infection

Eyes are one of the senses that are susceptible to infection. Usually, eye infections occur due to microorganisms that grow and multiply in the eye. Microorganisms that can infect the eye are:

• Virus
• Bacteria
• Mold
• Parasite

All of these microorganisms can cause eye problems, such as red, sore, watery eyes, and even visual disturbances.

Eye Diseases That Can Arise Due to Eye Infections

There are various eye diseases that can arise due to infection, depending on the part of the eye that is attacked and the microorganism that causes it. The following are some common eye infections:

1. Stye

This eye infection usually arises due to a buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and dirt that clog the oil glands around the eyelashes, so that bacteria will easily multiply.

To treat a stye, you can compress the eyelid with warm water for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this method at least 3-4 times a day. In addition, also avoid using contact lenses and make-up in the eye area for a while.

2. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, which is the layer that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. Although fairly minor, this eye infection can cause discomfort.

The main causes of conjunctivitis are viral and bacterial infections. Conjunctivitis due to bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics, either in the form of eye drops or eye ointment. Meanwhile, viral conjunctivitis usually goes away on its own after a few days.

3. Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea of ​​the eye that can be caused by a bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infection. Because the causes of keratitis are different, the treatment given will also be different, depending on the cause.

For example, keratitis due to yeast infection will be treated with antifungal medication, while keratitis due to herpes simplex or herpes zoster will be treated with antiviral medication.

4. Dacryoadenitis

Dacryodenitis is an eye infection that causes inflammation in the tear ducts (lacrimal glands). There are many things that can trigger the appearance of dacrodenitis, but the most common are viral and bacterial infections.

Treatment for dacryoadenitis should also be tailored to the cause. In dacryoadenitis due to viral infection, it can heal on its own without special treatment. Doctors will only advise patients to get enough rest and routinely compress the eyes using warm water to relieve complaints.

5. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is also a type of eye infection. This condition can be caused by a bacterial infection, allergic reaction, blockage of the oil glands in the eyelash follicles, or it can also be triggered by seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea.

As with other eye infections, treatment for blepharitis must be tailored to the cause. One way is to compress the swollen eyelid with a warm compress and gently clean it, so that excess oil and dirt that clogs the eyelash follicles can be removed.

Eye infections can cause discomfort in the eyes, even make vision blurry. If left untreated, some eye infections can trigger a more severe disorder or spread to other areas.

So, if you experience the symptoms of an eye infection that was described earlier, you should consult a doctor for proper treatment and treatment.