Eyes can develop infections from bacteria, fungi or viruses. Eye infections can occur in different parts of the eye and can affect just one eye or both.

Symptoms of eye infections may include redness, itching, swelling, discharge, pain, or problems with vision. Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and may include compresses, eye drops, ointments or antibiotics.

Symptoms
One of the most common eye infections is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, and characterized by redness, irritation and discharge. As the following symptom chart shows, certain symptoms are common to several different kinds of eye infections.

Diagnosis and Prevention
Because some infections can cause serious vision impairment or even blindness, it is important to see an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for diagnosis. Early diagnosis is particularly important in the case of serious infections, such as bacterial keratitis. Certain eye infections are also particularly associated with contact lens use. Learn more about safe handling of contact lenses.

Last reviewed and updated in January 2009,
by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.