When it comes to eye infections, some of the common causes tend to be bacteria, fungi, and even viruses which generally invade the eyeball, surrounding tissue, and any part of the eye. If you experience soreness around your eye accompanied by redness and watery discharge, then chances are that you may have an eye infection. Read on to take a closer look at some of the common eye infections and their causes.
1. Conjunctivitis or pink eye
This particular eye infection is quite common and it is often caused when the blood vessels in your conjunctiva become infected by microorganisms. This can make your eyes red, sore, and inflamed. Hence, this eye infection is also known as “pink eye.” It should be pointed out that the pink eye is highly contagious. This type of eye infection can be caused by a bacteria or virus or it could stem from an allergic reaction and the treatment for conjunctivitis would vary depending on the cause.
2. Keratitis
When your cornea or the outer clear layer that covers your pupil and iris, becomes infected, you develop keratitis. Just like other eye infections and diseases, keratitis has multiple causes, stemming from bacterial, viral as well as allergic reactions to certain allergens. This condition can cause swelling of the cornea and is generally not contagious.
3. Endophthalmitis
This eye infection happens as a result of your inner eye being infected either by bacteria or fungus. This condition is often found to occur as a result of candida infection, which happens to be caused by fungus. You would have to seek immediate treatment for this as if left untreated, it can cause a partial loss of vision as well.
4. Sty
The next time you spot a person with growth right near their eye, just remember that it is sty, a common eye infection that can occur at any time. This infection is caused by oil glands which lead to a pimple-like growth. You need to clean your face regularly and consult a doctor since they can prescribe a course of treatment for the sty.
5. Uveitis
When the central part of your eye, the one that helps to transport the blood to your retina, gets infected, uveitis is developed. There are multiple causes of this eye infection from viral to various eye-related injuries. This is not contagious but it can cause you to experience some pain and discomfort. It is essential that you get it treated immediately.
6. Cellulitis
When your eye tissues get infected, it results in cellulitis. More often than not, the cause is self-induced when you scratch the outer layer of the tissues around your eye. This makes it infected with microorganisms, which can lead to the development of redness and swelling.