Common Eye Infection Symptoms: When to See Your Mississauga Optometrist

Eye infections can cause discomfort, affect your vision, and potentially lead to serious complications if left untreated. At Ideal Eye Care in Mississauga, we often treat patients suffering from various eye infections. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you seek appropriate treatment promptly. This guide will help you identify common eye infection symptoms and understand when it’s time to visit your optometrist.

Most Common Types of Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent layer covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid. It’s one of the most common eye infections and can be caused by:

• Viruses (most common)
• Bacteria
• Allergens
• Irritants

Key Symptoms of Conjunctivitis:

• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
• Increased tear production
• Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes (bacterial)
• Clear, watery discharge (viral or allergic)
• Itchy eyes (especially in allergic conjunctivitis)
• Burning sensation
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Swollen eyelids

Stye (Hordeolum)

A stye is a painful, red bump that forms on the eyelid, typically at the base of an eyelash or under the eyelid. It develops when an oil gland becomes infected with bacteria.

Key Symptoms of a Stye:

• Painful red lump on the eyelid rim or under the eyelid
• Swelling of the affected eyelid
• Tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensation of something in the eye
• Crusting along the eyelid margin

Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It can be caused by infection, injury, or wearing contact lenses for too long.

Key Symptoms of Keratitis:

• Eye pain and redness
• Excessive tearing or discharge
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Difficulty opening the eyelid due to pain or irritation
• Feeling that something is in your eye

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, particularly at the base of the eyelashes. It can be caused by bacterial infection, skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, or issues with the oil glands in your eyelids.

Key Symptoms of Blepharitis:

• Red, swollen eyelids
• Itchy or burning eyes
• Flaking skin around the eyes
• Crusting at the base of eyelashes
• Gritty sensation in the eyes
• Sticky eyes upon waking
• Excessive tearing
• Sensitivity to light

General Eye Infection Symptoms to Watch For

Regardless of the specific type of infection, most eye infections share some common symptoms:

1. Redness: Inflammation causes blood vessels in the eye to dilate, resulting in redness.
2. Discharge: This can range from clear and watery to thick and yellow or green, depending on the cause.
3. Pain or discomfort: This may range from mild irritation to severe pain.
4. Swelling: The eyelids or the conjunctiva may become swollen.
5. Itching or burning: These sensations can range from mild to severe.
6. Vision changes: Blurry vision or sensitivity to light may occur.
7. Foreign body sensation: The feeling that something is in your eye when nothing is there.

When to See Your Mississauga Optometrist

While some mild eye infections may clear up on their own, many require professional treatment. You should schedule an appointment with your optometrist at Ideal Eye Care if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve within 24-48 hours
• You experience moderate to severe pain
• Your vision is affected
• You have severe redness in the eye
• You have a significant discharge from the eye
• You have a weakened immune system due to illness or medication
• You’ve recently had eye surgery or an eye injury
• You wear contact lenses
• You’re concerned about potential damage to your eye

Emergency Situations

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe eye pain
• Sudden vision changes or vision loss
• Chemical exposure to the eye
• A foreign object embedded in the eye
• Symptoms following a serious eye injury

Prevention of Eye Infections

Preventing eye infections is always better than treating them. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:

• Wash hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses
• Don’t share personal items like towels, washcloths, makeup, or eye drops
• Replace eye makeup regularly, especially after an eye infection
• Follow proper contact lens care, including cleaning and replacing them as recommended
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes unnecessarily
• Protect your eyes when swimming with goggles
• Clean eyeglasses regularly
• Stay updated with regular eye exams to catch potential issues early

Treatment Options for Eye Infections

Treatment varies depending on the type and cause of the infection:

• Viral infections: These often clear up on their own within 1-2 weeks. Your optometrist may recommend artificial tears or cold compresses for comfort.
• Bacterial infections: These typically require antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
• Fungal infections: Antifungal medications may be necessary, usually for a longer duration.
• Parasitic infections: These require specific anti-parasitic medications and careful monitoring.

How Ideal Eye Care Can Help

At Ideal Eye Care in Mississauga, our experienced optometrists can:

• Accurately diagnose the type and cause of your eye infection
• Prescribe appropriate treatment to clear the infection quickly
• Provide recommendations to relieve your symptoms
• Help prevent complications or recurrence
• Address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the infection

Our comprehensive eye examination includes a thorough assessment of your eye health, allowing us to detect and treat infections promptly.

Don’t Ignore Eye Infection Symptoms

Eye infections can worsen quickly and potentially affect your vision if left untreated. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of an eye infection, don’t wait for them to resolve on their own.

Contact Ideal Eye Care at +905 507 9752 to schedule an appointment with our skilled Mississauga optometrists. We provide prompt, effective treatment for all types of eye infections and conditions.

Your eye health is our priority, and we’re committed to helping you maintain clear, comfortable vision.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your optometrist for proper diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions.