6.6.7: Infections of the Eyes
- Page ID
- 89634
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Infections of the eye, also known as ocular infections, can affect various parts of the eye and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. These infections range from mild and easily treatable conditions to severe and potentially vision-threatening diseases. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing eye infections effectively and minimizing potential complications.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Viral or bacterial infections, including adenovirus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumonia, often cause conjunctivitis. Allergic reactions and irritants can also lead to conjunctivitis. Symptoms include redness, itching, tearing, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis may include itching, while bacterial conjunctivitis can result in a thick, yellow, or green discharge. Treatment depends on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis is typically self-limiting and managed with supportive care. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotics. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamines and avoiding allergens (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
Stye (Hordeolum)
Styes are typically caused by a bacterial infection, often due to Staphylococcus aureus. Styes are painful, red, swollen bumps on the eyelid, usually near the base of an eyelash. They can be filled with pus. Warm compresses can help relieve pain and promote drainage. In some cases, antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margins. It can be due to bacteria (Staphylococcus species), seborrheic dermatitis, or other factors. Symptoms include red, swollen eyelids, itching, burning, and crusting along the eyelashes. Treatment involves warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, and antibiotic ointments. Management of underlying conditions like seborrheic dermatitis may also be necessary.
Keratitis
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea and can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections. Contact lens wearers are at a higher risk. Symptoms include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and discharge. Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Bacterial keratitis requires antibiotics, while viral keratitis may need antiviral medications. Fungal and parasitic keratitis can be more challenging to treat and may require specialized medications.