Eye Infections

Eye infections range from minor (viral conjunctivitis) to sight-threatening (corneal ulcer, endophthalmitis). The single most important Indian rule: any red painful eye with reduced vision needs an eye doctor the same day — and no one should use steroid-containing eye drops without an eye doctor's prescription.

Common infections

• Viral conjunctivitis — watery red eye, often spreading in households during monsoon outbreaks. Contagious; hand hygiene, separate towel, 7–14 days. See Pink Eye.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis — thick yellow discharge; antibiotic drops clear it in days.
• Stye (hordeolum) — tender red lump on eyelid. Warm compresses; antibiotic ointment if needed. See Stye.
• Blepharitis — chronic inflammation at lid margin; dandruff-like scaling. Warm compresses + lid hygiene. See Blepharitis.
• Corneal ulcer (keratitis) — red painful eye, blurry vision, white spot on cornea. A real emergency. Risk factors: contact lens misuse, eye injury (especially with wood, soil, plant matter — risk of fungal ulcer), steroid drop misuse. Needs immediate ophthalmology care.
• Endophthalmitis — severe infection inside the eye, usually post-surgery or after penetrating injury — emergency, sight-threatening.

Red flags — same-day eye doctor

• Red eye with pain, sensitivity to light, or reduced vision.
• Contact-lens wearer with red eye.
• Eye injury followed by redness and discharge.
• Newborn with red/sticky eyes (gonococcal/chlamydial infection risk).
• After eye surgery — any new redness, pain, or vision drop.

Prevention

• Don't share towels, kajal, eye drops, or contact-lens cases.
• Wash hands before touching eyes or inserting lenses.
• Safety glasses for woodwork, farming, welding, cricket.
• Remove contact lenses before swimming or sleeping.
• Never self-use steroid drops.