Good vision is essential and any potential harm is serious. Eye infections occur when harmful microorganisms, either bacteria, fungi or viruses, invade any part of the eyeball or surrounding area. This includes the clear front surface of the eye (cornea) and the thin, moist membrane lining the outer eye and inner eyelids (conjunctiva).

There are many different types of eye infections, and your eye doctor needs to determine the particular type of eye infection you have in order to prescribe the proper treatment. Anytime you suspect an eye infection, you should always visit your Londonderry Eye Careoptometrists in Edmonton for an eye exam.

Eye Infection symptoms vary and can include red eyes, pain, eye discharge, watery eyes, dry eyes, light sensitivity, swollen eyes, swelling around the eyes, itching, and blurry vision. Fortunately, most common bacterial eye infections clear up, particularly with prompt treatment such as prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments and compresses.

If your symptoms worsen or change, contact your eye doctor immediately.

Examples of viral, fungal, and bacterial eye infections include:

• Conjunctivitis, also called “pink eye,” is a common, highly contagious eye infection. Other viral eye infections include ocular herpes that occurs with exposure to the Herpes simplex virus.
• Fungal keratitis, or a fungal infection can invade the eye in many ways, such as through a penetrating injury caused by a tree branch. There is an increased risk of fungal and bacterial eye infections among contact lens wearers in general, and proper contact lens care must be followed.

Prevention is important and improved with these good habits:

• Prevent eye infections by washing your hands before touching your eyes or eyelids and before handling contact lenses. If you are near a person with a red eye, avoid contact around your own eye until you wash your hands first.
• In public areas, such as workplaces or classrooms, using anti-infective sprays and cleansers liberally can minimize the likelihood of catching common bacterial or viral eye infections.
• At home, if any family members have a red eye or a confirmed eye infection, keep their bedding and towels clean, and don’t let them share these items with anyone else. Have them wash their hands often.
• If you wear contact lenses, you should follow safety tips for good hygiene, such as hand washing before you handle your contacts.
• And in general, teach children to avoid touching their eyes without washing their hands first.

To schedule an eye exam in Edmonton with Londonderry Eye Care, please call 780–476-7631 or fill out the online form. Our extended hours make scheduling an eye exam convenient and easy.

We look forward to seeing you and helping you see well.