Because adults tend to have better personal hygiene practices and are less likely to touch their eyes, trachoma mostly children. Children may have red or itchy, watery eyes. Oftentimes, serious symptoms are not experienced until a child has reached adulthood.
Bacterial Eye Infections
Microbes may attack the mucous membrane on the surface of the eye, causing conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye. Most infections are treated with an antibacterial eye drop, but for some types of organisms, oral antibiotics may also be used. The condition is usually not serious when properly treated.
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Sigma Nursing answeredEpidemic conjunctivitis pink eye affects the mucous membranes that cover and line the lids of your eyes. The lids of the eyes and the white part of the eyes become swollen, irritated and reddened. The lymph nodes that surround your neck and ears may also become enlarged. Sometimes your vision becomes hazy, and the part of the eye referred to as the cornea becomes irritated (keratitis). The eye becomes sensitive to light and feels sore as if something is in it.
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Unfortunately, there is no cure for epidemic conjunctivitis pink eye. It is a viral infection that usually heals on its own within about two or three weeks. If you are diagnosed with epidemic conjunctivitis pink eye, you may be able to get temporary relief with over-the-counter medications. Home remedies and over-the-counter medications such as synthetic eye drops and applying a warm, wet towel over the eyes may provide some people with short-term relief. If you wear contact lenses, you should stop wearing them until your infection heals.
There are several things that you can do to mange your epidemic conjunctivitis pink eye on a daily basis. Practicing good hygiene to keep it from spreading to others is very important. Some other things that you can do include keeping your hands clean and avoiding touching your eyes. You should also use a fresh wash towel each day and sleep on a new pillowcase each night. If you wear makeup, avoid sharing your eye makeup with anyone else.
When caring for someone with epidemic conjunctivitis pink eye, consult the person's doctor and follow the doctors advice. Make sure that the person with the infection practices good hygiene to prevent the infection from spreading to you and others. It is important for both you and the infected person to clean your hands frequently.
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You should talk to your doctor if you or your child experience any symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye). Pink eye is an uncomfortable and very contagious infection, but it can be treated in some cases. Your doctor will do tests to determine the cause of your infection. In some cases, you doctor may suggest taking certain medications for relief. Symptoms of epidemic conjunctivitis pink eye are swollen, irritated, watery eyes. You may also experience reddened eyes that occasionally burn and your vision may appear fuzzy. Cold symptoms are often present and the lymph nodes that surround your neck and ears may also become enlarged.
A stye near your child's eye could be a sign that your child is at risk for ocular rosacea, even though the condition is more common in adults than in children. Monitor your child's eyes for signs of redness, dryness, or itchiness. Be sure to speak with your pediatrician if you notice any styes. Keep your child's eyes clean and make sure to follow the pediatrician's recommendations for medication.
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Bacterial eye infections are infections in the various areas of the eye caused by different types of bacteria or contaminated contact lenses. Bacterial eye infections can affect many different parts of the eye. The location of the infection depends on the bacteria, as well as the cause of the infection. Some eye infections affect the cornea, sclera, and conjunctiva.
There are a number of common bacterial eye infections. The most commonly known is conjunctivitis, also called pink eye. Either bacteria or a virus can cause pink eye. Bacterial and viral pink eye are both highly contagious. Keratitis is another type of infection that affects the cornea. Trachoma is a scarring of the inner eyelid and is more common in third world countries. Another bacterial eye infection is endophthalmitis, which affects the inside of your eye.
Symptoms of bacterial eye infections include itchy eyes, redness, or some type of drainage. Your vision may also be affected. You may have unclear vision or be limited in your ability to see. You may also experience swelling and inflammation in or around the eyes.
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There are three types of professionals who specialize in treating the eye. These include ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in the eye. An optometrist has a doctor of optometry degree and is able to provide full eye care. An optician is not a doctor, but a medical technician specializing in creating eyeglasses and contact lenses. To diagnose and treat eye infections, you would see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
In addition, an internist or family physician can prescribe antibiotics to treat infections such as conjunctivitis (pinkeye).
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Dr. Michael X. Repka , Ophthalmology, answered on behalf of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmartSee All 2 AnswersNew lumps in the eyelids may be a sty or chalazion. These are caused by inflammation in the lid. Sties are associated with normal bacteria from the eyelid, whereas chalazia are not associated with bacteria. Neither are infectious to others.
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Epidemic conjunctivitis pink eye is the most common type of conjunctivitis caused by the virus, adenovirus. It is a contagious eye condition that happens when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the whites of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergy, dry eyes, irritation, a virus, or bacterial infection known as “pinkeye.” Pinkeye is common in childcare centers or crowded classrooms, but both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious from exposure to someone with this disease. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, tearing, a “gritty” feeling when blinking, itching, burning, and swelling of the eye and eyelid.
With bacterial conjunctivitis, there is usually a thick, yellow mucus-like discharge that crusts over the eye and glues the eyelid together. Viral conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, while bacterial pinkeye may only affect one eye. Viral conjunctivitis transmits to other people very quickly and can cause an epidemic outbreak. Allergic conjunctivitis leaves the eyes red, itchy, and watery but there is no thick yellow-green discharge. Epidemic conjunctivitis pink eye is uncomfortable, but it is unlikely to cause permanent damage to your eyes. However, rare types of conjunctivitis can lead to blindness if left untreated.
If you suspect conjunctivitis, contact your doctor to determine the cause. Only your doctor can determine which type of conjunctivitis you have, and the treatment is different depending on if it’s viral or bacterial.
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The type of treatment for bacterial eye infections is dependent on the type of infection you have. Common treatment options for bacterial eye infections include using eye drops, applying ointments around the eye, or taking antibiotics (either orally or as eye drops). If you are experiencing swelling or drainage, your doctor may also recommend a compress to decrease or relieve these symptoms. If your infection is more severe, you may need additional antibiotics and steroid eye drops to fight the infection. Eye infections may get better on their own, but antibiotics, whether in the form of eye drops or ointments, are the most effective treatment for curing bacterial eye infections. Depending on the cause of your bacterial eye infection, other medications (such as anti-viral drugs) may be used.
There are several steps you should take daily to manage your bacterial eye infections. First of all, be sure to wash any drainage away from the infected eye(s) with water and a clean cloth. Do not to touch your uninfected eye before washing your hands thoroughly. Secondly, follow your doctor's orders regarding treatment. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to wear eyeglasses until your doctor tells you it is okay to wear contact lenses again.
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Yes, you can prevent bacterial eye infections. By following good hygiene and not rubbing your eyes, you can prevent bacteria from entering your eyes. Properly caring for contact lenses is also important because bacteria can enter the eye through wearing contact lenses. Be sure to wash your hands after you touch your infected eye, or after you come into contact with someone with a bacterial eye infection. Bacterial eye infections can easily spread from person to person.
Treating the infection with medications, such as antibiotics, is highly effective. Early treatment and detection is essential to curing your bacterial eye infection and reducing potentially serious complications.