The eye, like any part of the body, can become the victim of an infection. An eye infection can affect the eyelids or eyelashes, the inner pink lining of the eyelid or the eye itself. Generally, symptoms include eye pain, blurry vision and red eyes. It is important to learn about the infectious eye diseases that can lead to these symptoms.
Blepharitis
The Mayo Clinic says that blepharitis is a condition in which the eyelid becomes inflamed. Specific symptoms of blepharitis include light sensitivity, red eyes, watery eyes, itchy eyes and a sensation that something is in the eye. Blepharitis also leads to a loss of eyelashes, crusting of the eyelashes and red swollen eyelids.
Bacterial infections, dandruff of the eyebrows and scalp (seborrheic dermatitis), rosacea and problems with the oil glands in the eyelid are just some of the causes for this eye condition.
Treatment for blepharitis includes cleaning the eye regularly with a warm washcloth and applying antibiotic eyedrops to kill the bacteria leading to blepharitis. Other treatments include applying steroid eye drops to control the inflammation and applying artificial tears to manage dry eyes. Also, treating underlying disease such as seborrheic dermatitis is a way to manage blepharitis, says the Mayo Clinic.
Chalazion and Hordeolum
The Merck Manual, a collection of online medical information for medical professionals, says that chalazion and hordeolum refer to swellings that occur on the eyelid. Specifically, a chalazion is a noninfectious swelling of a gland in the eye called the meibomian gland. A hordeolum, also known as a stye, is a staphyloccocal (a type of bacteria) infection of the eye.
Both a chalaziion and hordeolum lead to swelling, pain and redness. A chalazion can result in a lump on the eyelid that usually resolves on its own within two to eight weeks. A hordeolum results in a yellow lump filled with pus (pustule). Typically, this pustule will break open and release its pus after two to four days, says the Merck Manual.
Conservative treatment involves applying hot compresses or draining the chalazion or hordeolum. In some instances, a chalazion can be treated with such corticosteroid medications as triamcinolone and a hordeolum can be treated with such antibiotic medications as dicloxacillin or erythromycin.
Trachoma
MedlinePlus says that a trachoma is an infection of the eye. Specific trachoma symptoms include swollen eyelids, a discharge from the eye, swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ears (preauricular nodes) and eyelashes that actually turn inward.
The Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria causes trachoma.
Treatment for trachoma includes taking antibiotic medication such as doxycycline or erythromycin to destroy the bacteria. Sometimes, surgery on the eyelid may be necessary to prevent any severe scarring.
