Eye infections can be characterized by red eyes, pain, watering, discharge, and sensitivity to light. In addition, other symptoms that sufferers often complain are like something is stuck in the eye and blurred vision.
There are various types of eye infections, ranging from mild to severe, and with a variety of different causes. Although not all eye infections are dangerous, you still need to be aware of this condition.
Causes of Eye Infection
The eye is one of the senses that is susceptible to infection. Usually, eye infections occur due to the presence of microorganisms (microbes) that grow and multiply in the eye. Some types of microorganisms that can cause eye pain are:
- Virus
- Bacteria
- Mold
- Parasite
All of these microorganisms will 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 of the eye, depending on the part of the eye that is attacked and the microorganism that causes it. Here are some common eye infections:
1. Stye
This eye infection usually occurs due to a buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and dirt that clog the oil glands around the eyelashes, so bacteria can eventually breed there.
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 the wrong contact lenses and make up in the eye area for a while.
2. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an infection that occurs in the conjunctiva, which is the layer that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. Although fairly not serious, 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 of 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 a viral infection, for example, because it can heal itself without special treatment, the doctor will only advise the patient 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. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids, so the eyelids. 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 eczema. rosacea.
As with other eye infections, treatment for blepharitis must be tailored to the cause. One way to treat blepharitis is to compress the swollen eyelids with warm compresses and clean them gently, so that excess oil and dirt that clogs the eyelash follicles can be lifted.
Eye infections can cause discomfort in the eyes, and can even make vision blurry. If left unchecked, some eye infections can cause more severe disorders or spread to other parts. Therefore, if you have an eye infection, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
