Infections can occur in any part of the eye. Common sites of infection include the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the surface of the eye and lower lid, the cornea, the dome-shaped cover over the eye and the middle layer of the eye, the uvea. Infection in the deeper structures of the eye has more serious consequences and requires more aggressive and prolonged treatment to prevent permanent eye damage. The eye drops prescribed depends on the type of infection.
Types of Infection Treated With Drops
Fungal, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections can all infect the eye and require treatment with different types of eye drops. Common viral infections include conjunctivitis, a highly contagious condition often known as "pink eye" and ocular herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus. Contact lens wearers are at risk for developing fungal or parasitic infections. Several contact lens solutions containing Fusarium fungi that affected the cornea have been withdrawn from the market, according to All About Vision. Acanthamoeba keratitis occurs when parasites in water and soil invade the eye from the contact surface. Bacterial infections can occur from trauma or as a complication of eye surgery.
Types of Drops
Eye drops for infection fall into several categories. Antibiotics, antifungals and antibiotics all suppress infection and allow the eye to recover. Drops to eliminate Steroid medications reduce inflammation that can further damage the structure of the eye. Cytoplegics and mydriatics reduce discomfort caused by movement of the iris in an infected eye by keeping the pupil dilated. They also reduce the chance of scar tissue formation that causes the iris to stick to the anterior lens capsule, the American Optometrist Association reports. Beta blockers reduce the chance of permanent vision loss from glaucoma, a rise in the intraocular pressure in the eye that can occur after some infections.
Time Frame
Antibiotics for simple infections such as conjunctivitis normally require only a few days use to quiet the infection. Deeper infections of the eye may require months of treatment with steroids and antibiotics or antiviral medications.
Potential Reactions
Allergies to any eye drop can complicate care. Redness, itching, blurred vision and swelling of the eye can occur as an allergic reaction to an eye drop and should be reported to medical personnel, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Long Term Effects
Most eye drops used for infection cause no long-term effects on the eye. Long-term use of corticosteroid eye drops can cause glaucoma and increased chance of infection in the eye, the American Academy of Ophthalmology warns, and requires frequent medical follow-up. Corticosteroid drops should never be taken unless prescribed by an eye doctor.
