We all deal with eye issues every once in a while. Struggling with a ripped contact lens, catching a piece of dust or dirt in your eye while spending time outside or waking up feeling that irritating dry-eye symptom after not getting proper sleep can all really be frustrating.

While mild and temporary irritation is usually nothing to worry about and will fade with some eye drops or washing out your eyes, eye infections can be a bit more troublesome.

Our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team explains more about eye infections and what to look for below.

What Causes Eye Infections?

Just like any other infection, eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses and even a fungus. If you have germs on your fingers or hands and then touch your face or if someone sneezes or coughs in your direction, you can be exposed to that particular infection almost instantly. Eye infections can set in after just a few hours of exposure and up to a couple of days afterward, and they can quickly grow to cause irritation around your eye and under your eyelid.

Once it starts to spread, the discomfort can become more widespread. You can also expect your eye to turn slightly pink or become really itchy as your eye launches an immune response to try and get rid of the invader. Over time, the infection can also start to affect your vision and can cause it to get blurry or distorted.

Other Eye Infection Symptoms

• Eye sensitivity
• Constant eye tearing
• Small bumps or lumps behind eyelid
• Tenderness around the affected area

What Are Common Eye Infections?

One of the most common ear infections that people recognize is “conjunctivitis,” or pink eye. This infection is easily spread from person to person and can spread through direct contact or even by touching an infected surface and then touching your eye. Conjunctivitis can make your eye really crusty, and it often feels like something gritty is stuck under your eyelid. Getting treated for pink eye right away can help you avoid spreading it to your other eye or to someone else in your home.

Another common eye infection is “keratitis.” Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea and is also caused by a bacteria, virus or parasite. This type of infection is often found in people who wear contact lenses, as the infection can get stuck behind the lens and start to spread rapidly. Symptoms of keratitis include redness, pain and blurry vision. Come see us right away if you are ever worried about any eye symptoms you are experiencing.

Tips to Avoid Eye Infections

• Wash your hands often.
• Try not to touch your face with unwashed hands.
• Don’t share personal items like mascara or eye drops.
• Keep your contact lenses and case clean.

If you are struggling with an eye infection, come see at AFC Urgent Care Louisville for a quick visit.