Eye infections

introduction

An eye infection describes a moderate to severe infection that can be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses and that causes superficial or internal inflammation.

Common eye infections are:

• Conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis)
• Corneal inflammation
• Inflammation of the iris (iritis)

Conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis)

Inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) is the most common inflammatory disease of the eyes. A distinction is made between infectious conjunctivitis (bacterial, viral, parasitic) and non-infectious conjunctivitis, which is general, autoimmune, toxic or irritative.

Conjunctivitis typically manifests itself as red, itchy, burning, watery and festering eyes and the feeling of foreign objects in the eye. In most cases the conjunctivitis will subside within a few days. However, it must be clarified that it is not a symptom of a serious underlying disease.

Read more on this topic at: The conjunctivitis.

Corneal inflammation (keratitis)

Inflammation of the cornea as a form of eye infection is more dangerous than conjunctivitis, but it is also less common. When the cornea is inflamed, changes occur in the normally transparent and smooth surface of the cornea. This can be bacterial (e.g. by wearing contact lenses for too long), but it can also be viral (especially by herpes viruses) or caused by other causes. There is often red eyes, burning, pain in the eye and a foreign body sensation. In contrast to conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation can impair vision.

For more information, see: Corneal inflammation

The inflammation of the iris (iritis)

Inflammation of the iris on its own (iritis) as a form of eye infection is very rare. Usually there is a simultaneous inflammation of the other components of the middle skin of the eye, which is called uveitis. The iris inflammation is mainly bacterially caused (by chlamydia, yersinia, borrelia) and is not a direct eye infection, but rather an immunological response of the body to the pathogen. The actual infection usually precedes the iris inflammation. Clinically, iritis is characterized by reddening of the iris, visual disturbances, increased sensitivity to light and pain.

Read more on this topic at: The iris inflammation.

The chlamydial infection of the eye

Chlamydia are bacteria that, depending on the subgroup, can cause infections in different parts of the body. Chlamydia trachomatis can infect the eye and cause a condition called trachoma. A trachoma describes a chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva that, if left untreated, can even lead to blindness. In Europe this clinical picture can hardly be seen anymore. However, it occurs more frequently in developing countries - with 500 million sufferers, it is even the most common eye disease in the world.

The initial symptoms are redness of the eye and the secretion of pus. A few days later, follicles form on the conjunctiva, which can enlarge and burst. After these follicles burst, scarred changes develop. The lid shrinks and as a result contracts. The eyelashes on the lid are turned inwards (so-called entropion) and rub against the cornea. Over time, this leads to corneal destruction and clouding of vision. For this reason, it is particularly important to treat chlamydial infections early on. In the early stages, antibiotic therapy with tetracyclines is recommended. In the later stages, the entropion can be treated surgically so that the cornea is not damaged further.

For more information, see: Trachoma

What virus infections are there in the eye?

Viruses can cause various infections in the eyes. One of the most common infections is conjunctivitis, or conjunctivitis. It leads to reddening of the eye, which can be accompanied by pain and a feeling of foreign bodies. The most common pathogens are adeno, herpes simplex or varicella zoster viruses. Other pathogens are the influenza and measles viruses.

Keratitis, i.e. inflammation of the cornea, can also be caused. Corneal inflammation can cause severe pain and blurred vision. The triggering viruses are adeno, herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses.

Another infection of the eye is inflammation of the choroid (so-called uveitis). It describes redness and sensitivity to light in the eye. In addition, pain and increased tear secretion can occur. The herpes zoster virus, herpes simplex virus and the cytomegalovirus are the main pathogens.

Find out more about this topic here: The ocular herpes.

When do i need an antibiotic?

First of all, you should know which pathogen is involved - i.e. whether the infection is bacterial or viral. In the case of a viral infection, the administration of antibiotics is pointless and should be avoided.

If there is conjunctivitis or corneal inflammation, a smear can be taken, which is then examined microbiologically. After this examination, the bacteria can be identified and effective antibiotics administered. Since conjunctivitis heals spontaneously within a few days, you wait first. If there is no improvement, antibiotic eye drops can be prescribed. In the case of bacterial corneal inflammation, one usually does not wait to administer antibiotics, as this inflammation is accompanied by severe pain and the cornea can be damaged. If there is a bacterial inflammation of the choroid, an antibiotic is also needed.

You can find more information on this topic at: Antibiotic eye drops.
Dexa-gentamicin eye ointment is a popular antibiotic agent for infections of the eye. Read more about this at: Dexa-gentamicin eye ointment

The home remedies

Herbal remedies such as turmeric root or eyebright can be used for conjunctivitis. Oak bark and fennel can also be used. Black tea compresses also have a cooling effect and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Eyebright is also suitable for corneal inflammation.

Home remedies should not be used without consultation - an ophthalmologist should conduct the examination beforehand and inform and advise them of the possible therapies.

Find out more about this topic at: Home remedies for conjunctivitis.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy should not be used as the only therapy for a viral infection, as there is insufficient evidence about its effectiveness. Rather, it can be used in addition to the other therapeutic measures.

Homeopathic remedies that can be used for conjunctivitis are Apis mellifica, Belladonna or Sulfur. In the case of keratitis, agents containing eyebright can be used. An iris inflammation can be treated with Euphrasia officinalis, Mercurius corrosivus or Rhus toxicodendron.

The Schüssler salts

In this case, too, it is true that Schüssler salts should not be used as the only therapy, as there is too little evidence about their effectiveness. If desired, the salts can be taken supportively. The therapy ordered by the doctor should definitely be continued.

If conjunctivitis is present, Schüssler salts No. 4 (Kalium chloratum), No. 6 (Kalium sulfuricum) and No. 7 (Manganum sulfuricum) can be used. In the case of corneal inflammation, the Schüssler salt No. 15 (potassium iodatum) is recommended.

Find out all about the topic here: The Schüssler salts.

The duration of an eye infection

The duration of an eye infection cannot be answered across the board as it depends on the underlying disease.

Conjunctivitis usually heals spontaneously. The duration is about 10 to 14 days. In some cases, the infection can drag on for several weeks. Corneal inflammation lasts around two weeks with adequate therapy. In this case, it is important to see an ophthalmologist quickly, as the process can be more complicated if you wait a long time.

How contagious is an eye infection?

The risk of getting infected with an eye infection is variable - it depends on the pathogen that causes the disease. In general, however, it can be said that eye infections are contagious. Particular care should be taken in the case of an infection caused by adenoviruses.

Hygiene measures should be taken to protect against infection. Direct contact with the sick person should be avoided. Objects such as towels, duvets etc. should not be used by the sick person.