Eye infections can occur as a result of allergic reaction or environmental exposure to toxins. However, most are due to exposure to highly contagious bacteria or viruses. Different parts of the eye can be affected, and the infection can occur in one or both eyes. A person can reduce his chances of contracting the infection if he knows its cause and what measures he can take to prevent it from spreading.
Bacterial or Viral Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane that covers the inside of the upper and lower eyelids and the white part of the eyes. Infectious conjunctivitis is generally caused by a virus, but can be caused by bacteria as well. It is better known by its common name "pink eye," and it causes the eye to take on a reddish, watery appearance. The eyelids also swell, and some people experience a burning feeling and discharge from the eye. Infectious conjunctivitis is common and can affect people of all ages. It is very contagious. Washing hands thoroughly, refraining from sharing makeup and facial products and avoiding touching the infected eye are all recommended ways to prevent it from spreading to others. Antibiotics are used to treat the bacterial form, while there is no treatment for the viral infection.
Ocular Toxoplasmosis
Ocular toxoplasmosis is an eye infection caused by a parasite that can live in most mammals, but is most frequently found in cats. Ocular toxoplasmosis is most commonly passed on congenitally. An infected mother can pass the parasite to her fetus through the placenta. The time during gestation at which the mother passes on the infection predicts the seriousness of the symptoms the infant may experience after birth. Ocular toxoplasmosis can also be acquired by ingesting the parasite’s eggs through uncooked meat, soy, vegetables and milk. Exposure to an infected cat’s feces or inhalation of airborne eggs are other ways of acquiring the infection. People with competent immune systems may not experience symptoms. However, immune compromised individuals, such as a person with AIDS, may experience blurred vision, headache, confusion, seizures and lung problems. If the infection is detected, medications are available to treat it.
Ocular Herpes
Ocular herpes is viral infection that affects the eyes. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Ocular herpes causes inflammation of the cornea and can produce a sore on the surface of the eye. It is contagious and can be spread when a person comes in contact with another person who has the active form of the virus. According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 400,000 Americans have a form of ocular herpes, and a person has a 50 percent chance of recurrence after she becomes initially infected. Antiviral drugs are generally used to help prevent recurrent infections.
Gonococcal and Chlamydial Conjunctivitis
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are both sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydial conjunctivitis usually presents as a persistent inner eyelid infection that may discharge pus. It is most commonly seen in sexually active teenagers. Chlamydial conjunctivitis is also the most common cause of neonatal conjunctivitis in the U.S., according to the Handbook of Ocular Disease Management. The fetus can contract the infection passing through the birth canal.
An infectious conjunctivitis related to gonorrhea can also occur. The risk of eye infection is high because the infectious organism is able to penetrate the covering of the eye. People with gonococcal conjunctivitis can experience burning and inflammation of the eye, as well as a feeling of a foreign object being present in the eye. However, the ocular infection can be manually transmitted to the eye by hand contact. Prevention is key, with frequent hand washing among infected people and family members must. Typically, antibiotics are used to treat the eye infection.
