Common Eye Infections and Injuries: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
This can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. Symptoms include redness, itching or burning, watery or thick discharge, and crusting of the eyelids, especially in the morning. Treatment depends on the cause.

Stye (Hordeolum)
A stye is a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or oil gland. It causes a painful red lump on the eyelid, swelling, and tenderness. Treatment includes warm compresses several times a day and Antibiotics. Do not squeeze the stye.

Blepharitis
This is inflammation of the eyelid margins due to bacteria, skin conditions, or oil gland dysfunction. Symptoms include red, swollen eyelids, flaky skin at the lash line, and a gritty sensation. Treatment involves warm compresses, gentle lid cleaning with baby shampoo or commercial lid scrubs, and  antibiotic ointments.

Keratitis
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, often caused by infection or contact lens overuse. Symptoms include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and discharge. Treatment varies depending on the cause: antiviral drops for viral keratitis, antibiotic drops for bacterial cases, and antifungal medications for fungal infections. Avoid contact lenses during treatment. This is an eye emergency. 

Uveitis

This is inflammation of the uvea, which can result from autoimmune conditions, infections, or injury. Symptoms include eye pain, redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and floaters. Treatment includes steroid eye drops and, in some cases, immunosuppressive medications. This is an eye emergency.

Corneal Abrasion
This is a scratch on the surface of the eye, often caused by foreign objects or trauma. Symptoms include sharp pain, tearing, redness, and light sensitivity. Treatment includes lubricating eye drops, antibiotic ointment to prevent infection, and avoiding contact lenses until healing occurs.

Foreign Body in the Eye

Foreign particles like dust or sand can get into the eye, causing irritation, tearing, redness, and a gritty feeling. Treatment involves flushing the eye with clean water or saline. This is an eye emergency. 

Chemical Burn

This occurs when harmful chemicals enter the eye, leading to intense pain, redness, swelling, and potential vision loss. Immediate treatment is flushing the eye with water or saline for at least 15 minutes. Emergency medical care is critical. Do not attempt to neutralize the chemical.This is an eye emergency.

Hyphema
Hyphema is bleeding into the front chamber of the eye, usually from trauma. It presents with visible blood in the eye, pain, and blurred vision. This is a medical emergency. Treatment includes protecting the eye, elevating the head, and avoiding medications like aspirin or NSAIDs, which may increase bleeding risk.

Orbital Fracture

This injury results from blunt trauma to the eye area, causing bruising, swelling, double vision, and restricted eye movement. A CT scan is used for diagnosis. Treatment may include cold compresses and, in some cases, surgery.This is an eye emergency.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Go to Hospital emergency room immediately if you experience sudden vision loss, eye pain with redness, chemical exposure, trauma to the eye, or discharge accompanied by vision changes.