Show Types of Eye InfectionsPink Eye or Conjunctivitis – In the Western world, conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection. Usually caused by bacteria or viruses, the conjunctiva, which is a thin, moist membrane, becomes inflamed. Conjunctivitis is usually highly contagious but also usually resolves without severe complications. Keratitis – Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea. Certain types of pathogens can invade the cornea. These types of infections are more difficult to resolve than conjunctivitis. They require urgent care to prevent vision loss due to corneal scarring. Keratitis has many causes. Amoebic Keratitis – Amoebic keratitis is usually caused by Acanthamoeba. Contact lens wearers are particularly vulnerable to this infection because Acanthamoeba is commonly found in both tap water and swimming pools. Rinsing contact lenses or cases with tap water or swimming in contact lenses can lead to infection by Acanthamoeba. Several treatment regimens exist for Acanthamoeba but infections can be difficult to cure. Bacterial Keratitis –
Bacterial keratitis can be caused by injury or by wearing contact lenses. Injury usually leads to invasion by Staphylococcus aureus. Contact lenses can transfer Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas contains enzymes that can digest the cornea. Viral Keratitis – Viral keratitis is usually caused by a herpes simplex or herpes zoster infection. In the case of a herpes simplex infection, this can lead to the formation of ulcers that cause permanent vision loss. Onchocercal Keratitis – Called “river blindness” because the flies that transmit this pathogen are found in wet areas, this form is caused by infection with O. volvulus, a common pathogen in certain parts of Africa. Trachoma – Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, trachoma is almost unheard of in the United States, but it is a leading cause of blindness in many underdeveloped regions. The bacteria are carried by flies. Once the eye is infected, the bacteria inhabit the underside of the eyelid where they cause inflammation and scarring. The scarring causes the eyelashes to grow inwards toward the eye. They then scrape the cornea which is how blindness is caused. It has to be treated aggressively with oral antibiotics. Endophthalmitis – When an infection reaches the interior of the eye, usually as a result of injury or surgery, it can cause rapid blindness and needs emergency treatment. SymptomsSymptoms of an eye infection include redness, pain, discharge, watery eyes, itching, swelling, dryness, blurriness and sensitivity to light. Most commonly, redness accompanied by thick yellow discharge occurs with eye infections. PrognosisPrognosis depends on the type of infecting organism and the stage of disease. All eye infections respond better to prompt treatment. TreatmentTreatment hinges on using antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals to eliminate the invading pathogen. In the case of viruses, many infections will resolve on their own. An eye doctor may also give a steroid treatment to reduce inflammation and to prevent scarring, or eye drops that contain a lubricant to minimize irritation. Washing the eyes gently with warm water can be helpful. And so can the use of baby shampoo, which contains long chain surfactants that can prevent bacteria from reproducing as easily. It can also be helpful to take immune-enhancing supplements to aid the body’s own ability to fight infection. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which increase the body’s number of natural killer cells. Colostrum contains immunoglobulins which help fight off disease, and herbs such as astragalus and echinacea also increase the potency of the immune system. Homeopathic eye drops and well-researched nutrients that support eye health can also be helpful. PreventionLike any infection, the number one rule of prevention is good hygiene. Taking care to thoroughly wash the hands before touching the eyes is very important. Because the eyes are a moist, sensitive tissue without the protection of skin, it is very easy to transplant microorganisms into them. The standard hand washing rule is to use warm water and soap and to continue rubbing the hands for as long as it takes to repeat the alphabet. This is especially important when passing through well-trafficked areas. Be extra careful if you are in contact with a person who has visible signs of an eye infection. If it is a family member, keep their clothing and linen separated until the infection heals. If you visit an underdeveloped country and begin to notice eye problems, seek immediate treatment, as many of the pathogens that reside in these areas can have a deadly impact on vision. What is the most common cause of keratitis?Keratitis is more common in people who use extended-wear contacts, or wear contacts continuously, than in those who use daily wear contacts and take them out at night. Reduced immunity. If your immune system is weakened due to disease or medications, you're at higher risk of developing keratitis.
What are the causes of keratitis?Keratitis resulting from infections (called infectious keratitis) can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Keratitis can also occur a result of other insults to the cornea (called noninfectious keratitis) such as an injury, wearing your contact lenses too long, or very dry eye.
What is conjunctivitis and keratitis?Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the clear dome that covers the iris and the pupil. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva. That's the thin membrane over the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye.
What is the most common case of bacterial keratitis?The most common species causing bacterial keratitis include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeuruginosa, and species of the Enterobacteriaceae family.
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