Common eye infections: what they are and how to treat them
Taking care of your eyes is a safeguard of absolute well-being, especially because this particular and essential structure of the body is particularly vulnerable to attack by bacteria and viruses. We speak generically of eye infections, meaning precisely those abnormalities that affect our eyes and that can cause us more than one discomfort. Not to mention the fact that, in addition to external ones, blood agents can also be responsible for eye infection. Just think of the case of contagion in a newborn, which can occur during childbirth due to the presence of certain bacteria in the maternal canal.
The types of infection: conjunctivitis, stye and other
Being able to stem the eye infection, which spreads very quickly, is essential to avoid even serious damage to the retina and optic nerve that could cause blurred vision. There are many different types of eye infections in nature, a variety that is closely linked to the particular physiological and pathological conditions in which each individual finds himself. It will be correct to point out that an important vehicle for the spread of eye infections is represented by certain serious injuries (for example post-traumatic) and, moreover, that people who wear contact lenses are more exposed to bacterial infections (if the lenses are not well sanitized, bacteria can proliferate).
Among the most common and well-known infections, we must naturally mention conjunctivitis, i.e. inflammation of the external mucosa that covers the sclera of the eye and the inside of the eyelid, and the infection called stye, which manifests itself through the (painful) swelling of the eyelid. They are part of the external eye infections, i.e. they affect the anterior part of the eyeball (there are also chalazion, blepharitis and keratitis). Those that are related to the posterior area with respect to the eyeball are called internal infections and among these the most common is undoubtedly uveitis, or inflammation of the vascular membrane of the eye.
Symptoms of eye infection and therapy
To understand if you are in the presence of an eye infection, you need to think locally about some aspects, which vary according to the level of extent and location of the malaise. It is possible to indicate among the symptoms of eye infection present in most cases the swelling of the eyelids, but also a certain impatience in the presence of light, strong tearing and redness.
Pain is typically present in severe cases of infection and can add up to increased eye pressure. If, on the other hand, the disorders are minor, there may still be a worsening in the performance of routine activities, and there may also be – for example – a reduction in color perception. Finally, as far as eye infection therapy is concerned, it is necessary to keep in mind that in the presence of certain symptoms it is always good to contact the doctor for a specialist eye examination. Good habits from a hygienic point of view are particularly important in this area: touching the face with dirty hands, being in frequent contact with smog and smoke are wrong behaviors that must be curbed. The antibiotic therapy necessary to counteract the infection can also be combined with specific eye drops or cortisone therapies.
