Eye infections: how to spot them, treat them fast, and avoid repeat problems
Red, gritty, watery, or gooey eyes are annoying — and sometimes urgent. Most eye infections are simple to treat if you act fast and use the right steps. This page cuts through the panic and gives clear, practical advice you can use today.
Common types and clear signs
Bacterial: one eye usually starts first, then the other. Expect thick yellow or green discharge, eyelids stuck together in the morning, and redness. Doctors often prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
Viral: often starts with a cold or sore throat. Eyes are watery, red, and itchy or burning. Viral infections can spread quickly between eyes and to other people; antibiotics won’t help.
Allergic: both eyes itch badly, water, and may look red. Itchy eyes with a runny nose or seasonal allergy history? That’s likely allergic conjunctivitis — antihistamine drops and avoiding triggers help.
Contact-lens related: pay attention. Severe pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or a white spot on the cornea can mean a corneal ulcer. If you wear lenses and get these signs, stop lenses and see a doctor immediately.
Practical steps to take now
1) Clean gently: use a warm compress for 5–10 minutes to loosen crust. Wipe from inner to outer corner with a clean cloth each time. Don’t reuse the cloth without washing it.
2) Artificial tears: over-the-counter lubricating drops soothe irritation and help flush allergens or debris. Stay away from redness-reducing drops for long-term use; they can rebound.
3) Hands off: don’t rub your eyes. Wash hands often and avoid touching your face. Don’t share towels, pillows, or makeup until the infection clears.
4) Contact lenses: stop wearing them until your eye is fully healed and your clinician clears you. Replace lenses and the case if the infection was linked to contacts.
5) When to see a doctor: sudden vision change, severe pain, worsening redness, sensitivity to light, high fever, or symptoms that don’t improve in 48 hours. Also get urgent care if you wear contacts and symptoms start — corneal infections can damage vision fast.
Doctors may swab your eye, prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye drops, or advise steroid drops only in specific cases. Never use steroid drops on your own; they can make some infections worse.
Prevention is simple: wash hands, don’t share eye items, remove makeup before bed, clean and replace contact solutions and cases regularly, and avoid swimming with lenses. If you get frequent infections, see an eye specialist — they can check for underlying issues and give specific advice.
Got symptoms right now? Follow the steps above, skip lenses, and book a clinic or GP visit if it’s painful, affecting vision, or not improving. Quick action often means a faster, safer recovery.
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