Types of Eye Infections

There are many different types of eye infections with different causes and treatments. Some eye infections are common while others are rare. However, none should be taken lightly.

Preventing Conjunctivitis

To prevent infectious conjunctivitis, teach your kids to wash their hands often with warm water and soap. They also should not share eyedrops, tissues, eye makeup, washcloths, towels, or pillowcases with other people. Always maintain proper hygiene and do prevent your child from rubbing their eyes.

Preventing the Spread of Pink Eye Infection

A child who already has conjunctivitis should wash his or her hands after touching the eyes, since conjunctivitis can easily spread from one eye to the other on contaminated hands or tissues. Be sure to wash your own hands thoroughly after touching your child's eyes, and throw away items like gauze or cotton balls after they've been used. Wash towels and other linens that your child has used in hot water separately from the rest of the family's laundry to avoid contamination. Practice proper hygiene and pink eye can be prevented from spreading to the rest of the family.

Preventing Recurring Eye Infections

Some people develop recurring episodes of active infection. As mentioned above, these occur if the virus 'reactivates' from time to time - similar to cold sores. At least half of people who have one episode of active infection will have a recurrence within 10 years of the first. In about 1 in 10 cases, the recurrence is within a year. Recurrences occur more often in some people than others. No one knows exactly why this is so, however, statistics has shown a pretty consistent trend in reoccurrences on the elder people.

If the recurrences are frequent (say, once a year or more) or severe, then your eye specialist may advise that you take antiviral tablets each day to prevent episodes of active infection. Studies have shown that, on average, the number of recurrences is roughly halved in people who take regular antiviral tablets. So remember to consult your eye doctor if you are prone to eye infections.

Some people say that episodes of active herpes infection may be triggered by strong sunlight. Wearing sunglasses may also help to prevent recurrences. This has been proven quite true.

Most of us will either have come upon an eye infection or know someone who has had one. People who wear contact lenses often find themselves getting some type of eye infection. This is due to the bacterial buildup from constantly wearing the lenses without proper disinfecting. Eye infections usually require some type of medication for treatment. Although some are not as dangerous, there are some eye infections that require a doctor's immediate attention.