Eye Infections: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your eye feels gritty, red, or watery, it might not just be allergies—it could be an eye infection, an invasion of bacteria, viruses, or fungi that irritates or damages parts of the eye. Also known as ocular infection, it’s not just a nuisance—it can threaten your vision if ignored. You don’t need to be sick to get one. Touching your eyes with dirty hands, wearing contacts too long, or even swimming in a pool can introduce harmful microbes. Some infections spread fast, others creep in slowly, but all need the right kind of care.

Not all eye infections are the same. conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye is the most frequent—it can be viral, bacterial, or allergic. Viral conjunctivitis often comes with a cold and clears on its own, but bacterial conjunctivitis needs antibiotics. Then there’s keratitis, an infection of the cornea, which is more serious. It can result from contact lens misuse, trauma, or fungal exposure, especially in warm, humid climates. Left untreated, keratitis can scar the cornea and lead to permanent vision loss. Even less common, but still dangerous, are fungal eye infections, often linked to plant injuries or contaminated eye drops. These require antifungal treatment and can take weeks to heal.

What you do at home matters. Washing hands before touching your eyes, replacing contacts on schedule, and never sharing eye makeup or towels can cut your risk. But if you notice blurred vision, intense pain, light sensitivity, or thick discharge, don’t wait. Over-the-counter redness drops won’t fix an infection—they might make it worse. The right treatment depends on the cause, and only a doctor can tell you which one you need. Some cases respond to eye drops in days. Others need oral meds, follow-up visits, or even specialist care.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how infections develop, how to recognize them before they escalate, and what medications actually work. No guesswork. No marketing fluff. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve been there—whether it’s managing a child’s pink eye, dealing with a stubborn fungal infection, or understanding why your contacts suddenly feel wrong. This isn’t about fear. It’s about knowing what to do before it’s too late.