Superficial ocular infections
Superficial Ocular Infections
Superficial ocular infections, also known as superficial eye infections, affect the surface tissues of the eye and can include the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. They are caused by a variety of infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Causes
Common causes of superficial ocular infections include:
- Bacterial infections, such as Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus
- Viral infections, such as herpes simplex or adenovirus
- Fungal infections, such as aspergillosis or cryptococcosis
- Parasites, such as Acanthamoeba or Hartmannella
Symptoms
Symptoms of superficial ocular infections may include:
- Redness and swelling of the eyes
- Painful, gritty, or scratchy sensation
- Excessive tear production
- Sensitivity to light
- Eyelid inflammation
- Discharge from the eyes
- Blurred or decreased vision
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have symptoms of a superficial ocular infection, it is important to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment. Your eye doctor may use tests such as slit lamp examination, culture, or biopsy, to diagnose the infection. Treatment may include eye drops, oral antibiotics, or a combination of treatments.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of acquiring a superficial ocular infection by:
- Avoiding contact with people who have a known eye infection
- Washing your hands often
- Not sharing towels, washcloths, or eye makeup
- Discarding any eye makeup that has been opened for longer than three months
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting contact lens cases and remembering to discard expired contact lenses