What is an eye infection?

On the inside of your eye is a transparent membrane, also known as the conjunctiva. When your eyes are inflamed, it means this membrane is affected. This inflammation is usually caused by a bacteria or virus. It can affect just one eye or both. Symptoms of an eye infection usually clear up within one or two weeks, so treatment isn't always necessary.

How do I recognise an eye infection?

An eye infection often comes with the following symptoms:

• Swollen, painful, and red eyes

• Sticky eyelids, especially when waking up in the morning

• Sticky or watery discharge from the eye

• A feeling like there’s something in your eye

• Blurred vision

Is an eye infection contagious?

An eye infection is contagious. By touching or rubbing your eye, you can spread it to your other eye or to other people. Contagion can also happen if someone else uses a towel or washcloth that has been in contact with your infected eye. To prevent spreading it, it’s important to touch your eyes as little as possible, wash your hands regularly, and change your towels and washcloths frequently.

What causes an eye infection?

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

• A (cold) virus. Usually, a common cold is the cause. Another virus that can cause an infection is the herpes virus.

• Bacteria. Known bacteria include STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

• An allergy. Common allergies that cause eye irritation are dust mites, pets, or hay fever.

• Irritation from environmental factors. Think of dirt getting into the eye, leading to inflammation.
  The list above covers the most common causes. Sometimes an eye infection can have a more serious cause. If you’re unsure or if symptoms persist, always contact one of our boutiques.

What can I do about an eye infection?

It makes sense that you’d want to get rid of an eye infection as quickly as possible. If you’re dealing with an eye infection, you can try these tips.

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

• Keep the infected eye clean. You can use a wet cotton pad or swab. Wipe the discharge from the outer corner to the inner corner to remove it easily.

• Don’t wear eye makeup

• Don’t wear contact lenses and switch to glasses for a while. Do you usually wear soft lenses? Throw them away and use a fresh pair once the infection is gone. If you wear hard lenses, give them an extra thorough cleaning before wearing them again. Also, use a new lens case to minimise the risk of re-infection.

An eye infection usually clears up within one or two weeks, so treatment isn't always necessary. If your symptoms persist, always get in touch with one of our boutiques.

How can I prevent an eye infection?

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

• Make sure your eyes are clean, for example by removing eye makeup every evening
• Don’t share eye makeup; this can cause cross-contamination
• Don’t wear your contact lenses for longer than their intended period
• Clean your contact lenses thoroughly every day. Read more about contact lens care here.

We are here for you

Are your symptoms persisting? Get in touch with one of the boutiques near you.

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-Checked by an Optometrist-