Conjunctivitis and Eye Infection Treatments

Eye Infection Treatments

Are your eyes itchy or pink? Have you been experiencing poor vision or discomfort in your eyelids or cornea? If so, you may have an eye infection. The first step in treating an eye infection is to schedule an eye exam with your local eye doctor. An optometric physician can assess your condition, diagnose the infection, and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Gulf Coast Vision Center offers a comprehensive diagnostic approach, and one of our doctors will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the scope of your eye infection. We can then help you find the appropriate treatment to restore your eye to normal. To schedule an eye exam, contact us at one of our locations in Pace, Crestview or Pensacola.

Doctor putting eyedrops in patients eyes

How Do I Know if I Have an Eye Infection?

Like other eye conditions, an infection can develop slowly over time; however, unlike other eye conditions, the symptoms are often more serious, alerting you that something is wrong with your eye. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can invade the eye, causing irritation that can range from mild to severe. This irritation is hard to ignore. Some of the most common eye infection symptoms to be aware of include:

  • Redness
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Discharge
  • Watery eyes
  • Dryness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Swelling
  • Itching
  • Blurry vision

If you are experiencing any of these or other symptoms, schedule an eye exam right away. Any delay in treatment gives the condition time to worsen. An untreated infection may eventually lead to poor eyesight, or even blindness.

Eye Infections in Children

Pediatric eye infections are similar to infections in adults. Your child’s eye can also become irritated and inflamed. One of the most common eye infections in children is pink eye (conjunctivitis). This condition is characterized by inflammation of the inner eyelid and white part of the eye.

Pink eye and other infections are common in children due to their continuous social interaction; for instance, it is common for them to contract pink eye at school. If your child complains of dry eyes, pain, itching, or light sensitivity, you need to schedule an eye exam. We can evaluate your child’s eyes to diagnose pink eye or any other type of eye infection.

What Should I Do if I Have an Eye Infection?

The first thing to remember with a self-assessment of your eyes is that a single symptom may not indicate an infection. For example, just itchiness does not necessarily mean that your eye is infected; however, ongoing itchiness, combined with pain and poor vision, can indicate a problem. Here is what to do if you believe your eye is infected:

  • First, contact an eye doctor in Pace, Crestview or Pensacola
  • Stop using your contacts immediately; wear glasses instead.
  • Avoid driving yourself to the doctor, have a family member or friend drive you.
  • Avoid touching your eyes.
  • Limit your contact with others, especially in public.

Once your doctor diagnoses the problem, follow up with the recommended treatment as directed as soon as possible.

Eye Infection Treatment Available

Fortunately, no matter what type of eye infection you have, there is a treatment available to cure the infection. Types of eye infection treatment may include:

  • Antibiotic eye drops
  • Antifungal eye drops
  • Eye ointment
  • Oral medication
  • Over-the-counter antihistamines

Depending on the underlying cause of your eye infection, your doctor may also recommend new contacts or eyewear that is better suited to your vision.

Schedule an Eye Exam at Gulf Coast Vision Center

If you believe that you have an eye infection, contact Gulf Coast Vision Center at one of our locations in Pace, Crestview or Pensacola to schedule an eye exam.