Many people experience the discomfort of red, itchy or painful eye symptoms every now and then. These symptoms often indicate an environmental irritant or a problem with glasses or contact lenses. Contagious eye conditions can cause swelling, blisters or a discharge from the eye. Symptoms of an eye infection warrant a visit to a health-care provider.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a common contagious eye disease causing an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the inner lining of the eyelid and the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can be viral, bacterial or allergic. Sometimes a person gets conjunctivitis along with a respiratory infection or through direct contact with an infected person. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and is especially common among children. Frequent hand washing is important in order to help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.
Coughing and sneezing can also spread the disease-causing germs. Colds and runny noses are particularly prevalent in schools and daycare centers, where close contact increases the risk of catching conjunctivitis. Symptoms include a red, irritated eye and a puffy eyelid. Usually only one eye is involved, but it can happen in both. There is often a yellowish white discharge from the eye, especially in the morning upon waking.
Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Herpes Simplex Keratitis, or ocular herpes, is an infectious disease that affects the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye, including the pupil. Ocular herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and is the most common cause of corneal blindness in the United States, reports the National Eye Institute. The initial outbreak of this disease can cause symptoms similar to conjunctivitis, with redness, tearing, blurred vision and a sensation of something in the eye. Blister-like sores often form on the eyelid. Herpes viruses are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with the sores or by sharing food, utensils, washcloths or towels. Recurrences are common and may cause scarring of the cornea.
Stye
A stye is a small white or pink bump that can appear on the eyelid due to a bacterial infection. Most commonly, staphylococcus organisms invade an eyelash follicle or a gland in the eyelid, according to Merck Manuals Medical Library. The bacteria from a stye can spread when a person touches or rubs his infected eye and then touches people or objects. This is especially true among children, who are more prone to rubbing their eyes. Regular hand washing is important to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Trachoma
Trachoma is a serious, contagious eye disease caused by the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. The World Health Organization, or WHO, describes trachoma as one of the world's oldest infectious diseases. The illness affects about 84 million people, and causes approximately 3 percent of the world's blindness. Most cases of trachoma occur in poor, crowded, rural areas of developing countries. Trachoma is rare in the United States, according to Medline Plus, but affects people in pockets of Appalachia and in some Native American tribes. Children are most commonly affected, often suffering repeated bouts of the disease. Symptoms are similar to conjunctivitis, with inflammation, swelling, and a discharge from the eye. The disease eventually leads to scarring of the conjunctiva and cornea. Chlamydia trachomatis is spread through direct contact with eye secretions from an infected person, or from tainted objects such as towels, handkerchiefs, or clothing. Scarring and blindness can be prevented with early use of antibiotics.
