The accumulation of fluid and inflammation around the eye can cause eye swelling. This symptom is commonly seen in eye infections like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and stye.
Certain types of eye infections, such as those caused by bacteria or fungal infections, can also result in your eyelids swelling up and turning red, which is known as cellulitis. If the swelling gets worse or does not get better, it is essential to seek medical help as this might mean there is a more severe underlying issue.
How do I know if my eye infection is serious?
For an accurate diagnosis of an eye infection and its severity, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. However, if an infection is severe, it may cause significant symptoms like
- Severe pain in the eye or surrounding area
- Significant vision loss or changes
- Fever or a general feeling of being unwell
- Swelling of the eye or eyelid that is severe or rapidly spreading
- Yellow or green discharge coming from the eye
- Feeling that something is stuck in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness in the whites of the eye or in the eye tissue surrounding the iris and pupil
- A loss of the ability to move the eye.
How long does swelling last after an eye infection?
The duration of swelling after an eye infection can differ based on the type and severity of the infection. Mild swelling should disappear within a week to ten days with proper treatment, but if the infection is severe or spreads to other parts of the eye, the swelling can last for months or longer.
What are the dangers of an eye infection?
An untreated or severe eye infection can lead to various dangerous complications. Some of the possible risks of an eye infection are:
- Permanent vision loss: Some types of eye infections may cause permanent damage to the eye and vision loss if left untreated.
- Endemic spread to other regions of the eye or body: An eye infection can spread to other parts of the eye, such as the cornea or the retina, or even to other body parts, like the brain, if untreated.
- Eye scarring: Some types of eye infections can cause eye scarring, which may lead to vision loss and other issues.
- Secondary infections: An eye infection can also trigger secondary infections, such as cellulitis, a potentially severe infection of the skin and underlying tissue.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the infection or the medications used to take care of it.
Can an eye infection cause permanent damage?
An eye infection can cause lasting harm if it is not treated impeccably and promptly. Some forms of eye infection, such as bacterial or fungal, might result in the cornea becoming deformed, which causes vision loss. Other kinds of infections, such as viral, may cause inflammation and harm to the retina, which can also result in serious vision loss.
Additionally, some eye infections might spread to other areas of the eye, such as the uvea or optic nerve, which may lead to more severe vision loss. It is crucial to seek swift medical attention if you suspect that you have an eye infection in order to prevent long-term damage.
What is the best antibiotic for eye infections?
The best antibiotic for an eye infection will depend on the type of infection and the specific bacteria that is causing the infection. The most common types of eye infections are caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenza. The most common antibiotics used to treat these types of infections include:
- Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment
- Tobramycin ophthalmic solution
- Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution
- Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution
- Levofloxacin ophthalmic solution
It is vital to use the medication as directed by the physician and complete the full course of treatment even if the symptoms improve, since leaving the treatment unfinished can cause antibiotic resistance.
Which eye drop is best for eye infection?
Some common eye drops used to treat viral eye infections include:
- Acyclovir ophthalmic ointment
- Trifluridine ophthalmic solution
Some common eye drops used to treat fungal eye infections include:
- Natamycin ophthalmic solution
- Amphotericin B ophthalmic solution
It's essential to keep in mind that the eye drop prescribed for an eye infection will be prescribed by a doctor after a thorough examination and diagnosis. OTC eye drops should not be used without a doctor's prescription.
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