How Can I Prevent Eye Infections at Home?

At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, we’re proud to offer you comprehensive care for various ocular ailments. This includes those that may be impossible to avoid, such as age-related disorders like cataracts or the refractive disorders that occur due to corneal abnormalities.

There are also numerous issues that can be avoided, such as eye infections. These are caused by some type of pathogen invading the eye and can be easily caught and spread if one is not careful. The results can be not only annoying but also damaging. Furthermore, struggling with infection can reduce your quality of living and distract you from work, school, and other tasks that require your attention.

Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. From prevention to treatment, we’ll develop the most effective plan possible for you. And if you have any concerns or feel you might have an eye infection, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or pay us a visit in Baton Rouge, LA.

How can I tell if I have an eye infection?

An eye infection may be just as unique as the pathogen that causes it, which may be bacterial, fungal, or viral in nature. Therefore, you may experience a number of potential symptoms. These symptoms may be mild or severe, and include some of the following:

• Inflammation of eyelids

• Irritation

• Itching

• Aching or pain in the eyes

• Excessive watering or tearing

• The sensation of something stuck in your eye

Additionally, some other common complaints are listed below:

• A chalazion, or blockage of the meibomian gland (which secretes oil), resulting in a red bump on the eyelid.

• Uveitis, or inflammation within the eye

• Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids

• Conjunctivitis, colloquially known as pink eye, involves irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva (transparent membrane) that lines the eyelid and eyeball

• Styes, which resemble a boil or pimple and is caused by infection of the small glands near the base of the eyelashes

• Corneal ulcer, or an open sore on the cornea

How can I prevent eye infections at home?

Various eye infections are common and may lead to serious discomfort. However, the good news is that they’re easily treatable. The specific treatments depend on the infection plaguing you, as well as other medical, ocular, and lifestyle factors. Treatment may involve a round of antibiotics, antiviral medications, or a fungus-busting substance. To reduce the inflammation and irritation that can sideline you, we may utilize eye drops or cortisone. In rare cases, a stye or chalazion that has not gone away might require a simple, minimally invasive surgical procedure.

There are also steps you can take to avoid or prevent an infection in the first place, saving you trouble, pain, and time later on. For example, most infections occur when an individual comes in contact with some pathogen, then rubs or touches their eyes without cleaning their hands. Others may develop an infection by wearing contact lenses, and proper hygiene and cleaning are vital in these cases. Furthermore, due to the contagious, easily transmittable nature of these ailments, it’s crucial that you do not share eye cosmetics with others.

Find relief by reaching out today

Even minor eye infections can be vastly irritating. And while it isn’t common, leaving them untreated can lead to visual disturbances in some scenarios. Therefore, it’s best to seek professional help since it’s impossible to tell which type of infection you may have. The treatment may be easier than you think, so don’t suffer any longer! To find relief, contact us today at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians in Baton Rouge, LA.