Your Complete Guide to Eye Infections

Pink eye is the most common eye infection. The clear membrane covering your eye becomes red and swollen. Bacterial pink eye often causes thick yellow or green discharge, usually starts in one eye, and is very contagious. Viral pink eye causes watery discharge, often affects both eyes, and is also contagious. Allergic pink eye causes itching and is not contagious. Newborn pink eye can be very serious and needs immediate care.

Keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the clear front of your eye. It is more serious because it can affect your vision. Contact lens wearers are at highest risk, especially if they sleep in lenses or get water in their eyes while wearing them. Keratitis causes pain, light sensitivity, tearing, and sometimes a white spot on the cornea. It needs urgent treatment.

Herpes simplex virus can cause painful sores on the eyelid or cornea. These infections need antiviral medicines and careful follow-up to prevent vision loss.

A stye is a red, painful bump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland. A chalazion is a firm, usually painless bump from a blocked oil gland. Both often get better with warm compresses, but some may need treatment from your eye doctor.

Blepharitis is swelling of the eyelid edges where the lashes grow. It causes red, crusty, and sometimes itchy eyelids. It is often linked to skin problems like dandruff or oil gland issues. Good eyelid hygiene and warm compresses help, but some cases need prescription treatments.

Some eye infections are emergencies and can threaten your vision or health if not treated right away. These include:

• Orbital cellulitis – infection behind the eye causing severe pain, fever, and trouble moving the eye
• Endophthalmitis – severe infection inside the eye, usually after surgery or injury
• Severe corneal ulcers – can cause permanent scarring and vision loss
• Dacryocystitis – infection of the tear sac that can spread to nearby tissues

These infections are rare but serious. They often happen after an eye injury with plants or from water exposure while wearing contacts. Fungal infections need special antifungal medicines. Acanthamoeba, a parasite, can cause severe corneal damage and is very hard to treat.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes or handling contacts. Keep your hands away from your eyes during the day. Use clean towels and pillowcases, and do not share them. Clean surfaces and throw away tissues if you have an infection to avoid spreading germs to others.

Clean and disinfect your contact lenses every day with fresh solution. Never use water to clean or store your lenses. Do not sleep in contacts unless they are designed for overnight use and approved by your doctor. Replace your lens case every 3 months and do not wear contacts if your eye is red or irritated.

Do not share eye makeup, brushes, or eye drops. Replace old makeup and throw away any makeup you used during an eye infection. Take off all eye makeup before bed and do not apply it to the inner eyelid.

Wear safety glasses when working outdoors, especially around plants, dust, or chemicals. Protect your eyes from injury, which can lead to serious infections. Be careful around branches, thorns, and other plant material.

Stay home from work or school if you have contagious pink eye until your symptoms improve. Most guidelines say you can go back after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections, but follow your school or workplace rules.

Do not wear contact lenses when swimming, showering, or using hot tubs to avoid germs that can cause serious infections. Bring glasses when traveling and never use water to clean your contacts.

No, not all pink eye is contagious. Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious and spread easily. Allergic pink eye is not contagious and is caused by allergens like pollen or pet dander. Only your eye doctor can tell which type you have.

It depends on the type of infection and how quickly you start treatment. Bacterial infections often improve in 24–48 hours with antibiotics, but may take a week to fully heal. Viral infections usually last 1–2 weeks and get better on their own. Fungal infections may take weeks or months to clear.

Preservative-free artificial tears are generally safe and can help with comfort. Do not use redness-relief drops unless your doctor says it is OK. Never use leftover prescription eye drops from previous infections.

No, do not wear contacts during any eye infection. They can make the infection worse or cause serious problems. Wait until your doctor says it is safe to wear them again, and consider replacing your lenses and case after an infection.

See an eye doctor for severe pain, vision changes, light sensitivity with pain, thick colored discharge, or symptoms that do not improve. Contact lens wearers should see an eye doctor for any eye problems.

Yes, some infections, especially fungal, parasitic, or severe bacterial ones, may need several visits and close follow-up to make sure they heal properly and do not come back.

Remove your contact lenses right away, rinse your eyes with clean contact lens solution, and do not put your lenses back in until your eyes feel normal. If you have redness, pain, or vision changes, call your eye doctor.

Never swim or shower with your contacts in. Take them out first, and use glasses when in the water. Water can introduce harmful germs into your eyes.

Call your doctor if you have redness, pain, discharge, or vision changes. Do not share towels, makeup, or pillows, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Until you see a doctor, keep your hands clean and do not use contact lenses.

No, do not use old or expired prescription eye drops. Some may have lost their effect or could be contaminated. Only use medicine your doctor prescribes for your current problem.

Viral infections often go away on their own. Bacterial infections usually need prescription medicine. Fungal and parasitic infections need special medicines and doctor visits.

Sunglasses and protective eyewear help prevent injuries that can cause infections, especially if you work outside. They do not stop the spread of contagious infections like pink eye. Hand washing and not sharing personal items are best for preventing contagious infections.

Sometimes, especially if the cause (like poor contact lens hygiene or dry eyes) is not fixed. If infections keep coming back, ask your doctor for a full eye exam to find the cause.

Teach your children to wash their hands often, not to touch their eyes, and not to share eye makeup, towels, or pillowcases. If your child wears contact lenses, help them take care of them properly.

Call your pediatrician or eye doctor right away, especially for newborns. Eye infections in babies can get serious quickly and may need special care.

Yes, people with weak immune systems may get more severe infections and should see their doctor at the first sign of eye problems. Follow your doctor’s advice closely.

Yes, some infections, especially those affecting the cornea (keratitis), can scar and blur your vision if not treated quickly and properly. Severe infections can cause permanent damage, so get care fast if you have symptoms.

This is rare, but some infections like orbital cellulitis can spread to the brain if not treated quickly. This is a medical emergency.

Yes, if you have contagious pink eye, stay home until your symptoms improve. Follow your school or workplace rules about when you can return.