Eye Infections

Eye infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites invading part of the eye. Where the infection sits matters more than the germ: the eyelid (stye, cellulitis), the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis), the cornea (keratitis), the inside of the eye (endophthalmitis) or the retina (for example toxoplasmosis or cytomegalovirus).

Lid and conjunctival infections are common and usually clear fully. Corneal and internal infections are much less common but can scar or destroy sight within days, so speed of treatment decides the outcome. Identifying the organism in the laboratory from a small sample guides treatment in these serious cases.

Symptome

• Red eye with sticky yellow or watery discharge
• Lids stuck together on waking
• Gritty or burning sensation
• Pain and light sensitivity, which suggest the cornea is involved
• A white or grey spot on the clear front of the eye
• Blurred vision or floaters
• Swollen, hot, red eyelids, sometimes with fever
• A tender lump at the lid margin

Ursachen und Risikofaktoren

Adenovirus is the usual cause of infectious conjunctivitis and spreads easily by hands and towels. Bacterial conjunctivitis is commoner in children. Contact lens wear is the biggest risk for corneal infection, particularly sleeping or swimming in lenses or rinsing them with tap water, which can introduce Pseudomonas or the parasite Acanthamoeba. Herpes simplex causes recurrent corneal ulcers, and shingles can involve the eye. Fungal keratitis follows injury with plant material. Infection inside the eye is rare and follows surgery, injections, penetrating injury or spread through the blood in unwell people.

Wie es diagnostiziert wird

• Slit lamp examination with dye: Shows the site, size and depth of a corneal ulcer and the branching pattern typical of herpes simplex.
• Corneal scrape for microscopy and culture: A sample from the ulcer is examined and grown to identify bacteria, fungi or Acanthamoeba and test drug sensitivity.
• PCR testing: Detects viral, bacterial or parasitic DNA from a swab or a tiny sample of eye fluid.
• Aqueous or vitreous tap: Fluid is taken from inside the eye when endophthalmitis is suspected, at the same time as antibiotics are injected.
• Confocal microscopy or OCT: Imaging that can reveal fungal filaments or amoebic cysts within the cornea.
• Blood tests and scans: Used when infection may have come from elsewhere in the body or has spread to the eye socket.

Behandlungsmöglichkeiten

• Hygiene and supportive care: Most viral conjunctivitis needs only lubricants, cool compresses and strict handwashing for 1 to 2 weeks.
• Antibiotic drops or ointment: For bacterial conjunctivitis, and intensively around the clock for bacterial corneal ulcers.
• Antiviral treatment: Ganciclovir gel or oral aciclovir or valaciclovir for herpes simplex and shingles affecting the eye.
• Antifungal and anti-amoebic drops: Given for weeks to months, as these organisms respond slowly.
• Intravitreal antibiotic injection and vitrectomy: Emergency treatment for infection inside the eye.
• Intravenous antibiotics: Hospital treatment for orbital cellulitis, sometimes with sinus drainage.
• Corneal transplant: Considered once infection is controlled if a central scar limits vision, or urgently if the cornea perforates.

Wenn es dringend ist

A painful red eye in a contact lens wearer, a white spot on the cornea, falling vision with pain after recent eye surgery or an eye injection, or a swollen eyelid with fever, a bulging eye or pain on eye movement all need emergency care locally the same day. A newborn with a sticky red eye also needs urgent assessment.

Reisen nach Türkiye zur Behandlung

Active infection must be treated where you are, and you should not fly for elective care with an infected eye. A visit becomes relevant later: assessment of a corneal scar, a second opinion on recurrent herpes keratitis and preventive antiviral treatment, or a planned corneal transplant or laser treatment of scarring once the eye has been quiet for months. Corneal grafts need follow-up for a long time, so arrange local aftercare beforehand.

Senden Sie Ihre Berichte, Scans und eine kurze Geschichte und eine Clinic-Y Koordinator Antworten innerhalb von 24 Stunden mit geeigneten Teams und schriftlich, All-inclusive Vorschläge nebeneinander. Die Überprüfung Ihres Falls ist kostenlos.

Häufig gestellte Fragen