What is an eye infection?

The inner lining of your eye is a transparent mucous membrane called the conjunctiva. When you experience eye inflammation, the conjunctiva is inflamed. This inflammation is usually caused by bacteria or a virus. One or both eyes can be affected. Symptoms of eye inflammation usually disappear after one or two weeks; therefore, treatment isn't always necessary.

How do I recognize an eye infection?

An eye infection is often accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Swollen, painful and red eyes

• Eyelids that are clenched together, especially early in the morning when waking up

• Sticky or slimy discharge from the eye

• The feeling that there is something in the eye

• Blurred vision

Is eye infection contagious?

An eye infection is contagious. By touching or rubbing your eye, you can infect your other eye or other people. Infection can also occur when someone uses a towel or washcloth that has come into contact with your infected eye. To prevent infection, it's important to touch your eyes as little as possible, wash your hands regularly, and change your towels or washcloths at the right time.

What causes an eye infection?

An eye infection can have several causes. Common causes include:

• A (cold) virus. A cold is usually the cause of an eye infection. Another virus that can cause an eye infection is a herpes virus.

• A bacterium. Common bacteria that can cause eye infections are STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

• An allergy. Common allergies that can cause eye inflammation include dust mites, dog and cat allergies, and hay fever.

• Eye irritation due to environmental factors. This can include dirt in the eye, which can lead to inflammation.
  The list above covers common causes. Sometimes, an eye infection can have a more serious cause. If you have any doubts or persistent symptoms, always contact one of our stores.

What can I do about an eye infection?

It's understandable that you want to get rid of your eye infection as quickly as possible. If you're suffering from an eye infection, you can follow these tips.

• Touch your eyes as little as possible. If you do touch your eyes, it's important to wash your hands immediately.

• Keep the infected eye clean. You can use a damp cotton ball or swab for this. Make sure to wipe the mucus from the outer corner to the inner corner of the eye so it's easy to remove.

• Don't wear eye makeup

• Don't wear contact lenses and wear glasses temporarily. Do you normally wear soft contact lenses? Discard them and put on new ones as soon as your eye infection is gone. Do you normally wear hard contact lenses? Clean them extra thoroughly as soon as you can wear them again. Also, make sure you have a new contact lens case to minimize the risk of re-infection.

Eye infections usually clear up within one to two weeks, so treatment isn't necessary. If your symptoms persist, always contact one of our stores.

How can I prevent an eye infection?

Prevention is better than cure. Although an eye infection is often harmless, having inflamed eyes can be very unpleasant. These tips will help you prevent eye infections:

• Make sure your eyes are clean, for example by removing your eye makeup every evening
• Do not lend your eye makeup to others as this can cause contamination
• Do not use your contact lenses for longer than the period for which they are intended.
• Clean your contact lenses thoroughly every day. Here read more about contact lens care.

We are here for you

Are you still experiencing eye infections? Contact one of our stores near you.

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