Bacterial Eye Infections: What You Need to Know
If your eyes feel gritty, red, or start leaking pus, you might be dealing with a bacterial eye infection. These infections are common and usually easy to treat if caught early. The good news is most of them respond well to simple home care and prescription drops.
Common Types and Symptoms
The word "infection" covers several conditions. The most frequent one is bacterial conjunctivitis, often called pink eye. It makes the white part of your eye turn pink or red, and you’ll see a sticky discharge that can crust over overnight.
Another common problem is a stye (hordeolum). A stye looks like a small, painful bump on the edge of your eyelid, caused by bacteria getting trapped in an oil gland. Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelid margins, also stems from bacterial overgrowth and leads to redness, itching, and flaky skin.
Typical signs across these infections include:
- Redness that spreads from the inner corner toward the outer edge
- Pain or a gritty feeling
- Watery or thick discharge (yellow/green)
- Sensitivity to light
- Swelling of the eyelid or surrounding tissue
If you notice any of these signs, especially if they get worse in a day or two, it’s time to act.
How to Treat and Prevent
The first step is hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap, avoid touching your eyes, and use clean towels. For conjunctivitis, doctors usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops like erythromycin or ointments such as bacitracin. Apply them exactly as instructed—usually several times a day for a week.
Styes often clear up with warm compresses. Hold a clean, warm washcloth over the bump for 10‑15 minutes, three to four times daily. The heat helps the blocked gland drain. If it doesn’t improve after 48 hours or gets larger, see a doctor for possible antibiotic ointment.
Blepharitis benefits from gentle lid scrubs. Mix a drop of baby shampoo with warm water and gently wipe your eyelid edges using a cotton swab. Follow up with any prescribed drops to keep the bacteria in check.
Avoid sharing eye makeup, towels, or pillowcases while you’re infected. Replace old mascara every three months and discard any that gets contaminated. If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses until the infection clears and disinfect your lenses thoroughly before using them again.
When should you see a professional? Call an eye doctor if you experience:
- Pain that doesn’t improve
- Vision loss or blurry sight
- Intense swelling or fever
- Symptoms lasting more than a week despite home care
These signs could mean a deeper infection or something else that needs specific treatment.
Bottom line: bacterial eye infections are common, but with proper hygiene and the right meds they clear up quickly. Keep your hands clean, use prescribed drops as directed, and don’t hesitate to get professional help if things feel off. Stay alert, act fast, and protect your eyes from future trouble.
