Bacterial, viral or fungal pathogens that abnormally invade the eye can cause eye infection symptoms to develop in affected patients. Common eye infections include conjunctivitis, styes and blepharitis, according to Alcon, a global company that develops innovative eye care products. Patients who develop eye infection symptoms should seek additional care from a doctor, as antibiotic medication may be necessary to resolve symptoms.
Redness or Irritation
Infectious pathogens within the eye can irritate and inflame this sensitive tissue. As a result, a patient with an eye infection may notice that the infected eye appears unusually red or bloodshot, explains MedlinePlus, an online medical resource supported by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Eye irritation can contribute to itching sensations within the the eye, which may cause a patient to rub or scratch the infected eye. Scratching or rubbing the infected eye can exacerbate redness or irritation in certain patients.
Swelling or Pain
Patients who develop an eye infection may notice that the affected eye appears unusually swollen or enlarged, report Alcon medical officials. The infected eye can begin to water or may be tender to the touch. Certain patients can develop a gritty or rough sensation within the infected eye, which can be painful or uncomfortable. Additionally, a small red lump can appear along the eyelid due to bacteria within an eyelash, explains Medline Plus. Patients who develop these eye infection symptoms should seek additional medical care to prevent eye-related medical complications.
Discharge
Unusual eye discharge can develop as a symptom of an eye infection in certain patients. Thick, discolored fluid may leak from the infected eye and may accompany eye swelling or redness. Discharge can accumulate along the eye and may form a crust over the eyelid while a patient is sleeping, warns KidsHealth, a children's health information website supported by the Nemours Foundation. If this occurs, the affected patient may have difficulty voluntarily opening the infected eye upon waking in the morning. This eye infection symptom can persist if treatment is not promptly received.
Blurred Vision or Light Sensitivity
Patients who develop an eye infection may experience vision problems as a symptom of this condition, reports Medline Plus. Affected patients can experience blurred, cloudy vision or increased light sensitivity as eye infection symptoms. These side effects typically resolve shortly after receipt of treatment from a medical professional.
