How to Treat an Eye Infection

Quick answer: Treatment depends on the cause, viral, bacterial, or fungal. Some infections clear on their own with hygiene and compresses, while bacterial ones often need antibiotic drops. Because eye infections can occasionally progress fast and threaten vision, the safest first step is to call an eye doctor rather than self-diagnose.

Signs and symptoms of an eye infection

Eye infections occur when harmful organisms reach the eye or surrounding tissue. They commonly cause:

• Watery, red, or bloodshot eyes
• Pain and swelling
• Discharge
• Itching, burning, or grittiness
• Blurred vision

Types of eye infection

• Viral: viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) and ocular herpes, often highly contagious.
• Bacterial: bacterial conjunctivitis, bacterial keratitis (an emergency), and endophthalmitis (often from a penetrating injury).
• Fungal: rare but can be serious, affecting the cornea or internal structures.

At-home steps while you arrange care

Call your ophthalmologist first. In the meantime:

• Remove contact lenses if you wear them.
• Gently clean crusty discharge with a cotton ball soaked in cooled boiled water (a fresh one per eye).
• Use a cool compress for a few minutes to ease pain and swelling.
• Prevent spread: wash hands well, wash cloths and pillowcases hot, don't rub your eyes, and don't share towels or pillows.

Professional treatment

Your eye doctor will examine the eye to find the cause. Viral conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting (cold compresses, antihistamine or artificial-tear drops, occasionally steroids). Bacterial infections typically get antibiotic drops, sometimes after swabbing to identify the bacteria. Self-diagnosis can delay care and risk vision, so get expert advice. For healing timelines, see how quickly eyes heal after an infection.

Fast eye-infection treatment at West Boca Eye Center

West Boca Eye Center in Boca Raton specializes in eye infections and emergency eye care. Don't wait on symptoms, contact Dr. Brent Bellotte and our team.