Infection (Infectious Conjunctivitis)
Eye infection can often cause the eyes to become red, swollen and/or watery. It is usually accompanied by stinging and gritty (foreign body) sensation, itch and eye discharge.
What is?
Eye infection is an eye disorder which is usually caused by bacterial, viral or fungal agents. One of the most common eye infection is bacterial conjunctivitis which can be very infectious in nature.
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin transparent tissue covering the white part of the eye. Inflammation of the conjunctiva can be due to an infection, allergic reaction, trauma to the eye or entry of foreign body into the eyes. It can affect one or both eyes at the same time. It is unusual to experience pain with conjunctivitis. Having said that, it is important to seek treatment with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible to prevent the worsening of the eye infection.
Infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by either bacteria or virus. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci etc are common in adults. In children, conjunctivitis are usually caused by bacteria belonging to the haemophilus group.
Causes
Infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, such as staphylococci, streptococci and pneumococci, and, especially in children, by bacteria belonging to the haemophilus group. Also viruses are typical causes of infectious conjunctivitis.
Diagnosis
An ophthalmologist can diagnose infectious conjunctivitis by examining the signs and symptoms of the eye. Other than superficial observation, an ophthalmologist may use a slit lamp to inspect the eye under high magnification to get a deeper analysis of the infected eye(s). Sometimes, samples of the infected secretions from the eye(s) may be extracted for analysis to identify the organism that is affecting the eye. Blood tests are not routinely done in the diagnosis of eye inflammations.
Treatment
Only a doctor can recommend the correct treatment for your eye conditions. Eye infections caused by bacteria is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments over a period of 3-5 days. If the infection is not resolved within this period of time, you should consult your ophthalmologist again.
When you are diagnosed with conjunctivitis, you should refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes, to prevent worsening of the condition.
Santen product approved and available in Asia
Cravit® (0.5% Levofloxacin)
NOTE
The approved status and availability of the product differs from country to country.