When you have red or irritated eyes, there's a good chance that you have an eye infection. While you might be familiar with pink eye, other kinds of eye infections can occur. Finding relief through prompt treatment can help ensure that these infections clear up without any issues. At Andrew Stone Optometry in Columbia, MO, we offer effective care for eye infections. Give us a call at (573) 445-7750 to schedule an appointment with our optometrists, Dr. Andrew Stone & Dr. Sarah Wolf.
Signs and Symptoms of Eye Infections
How do you know if you have an infection in one or both eyes? Any of the following symptoms can indicate an eye infection:
- Redness
- Eye pain
- Itchiness
- Sensation of having something in your eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Burning sensation
- Watery eyes
- Discharge
Some of these symptoms can be signs of other eye conditions, so it may be useful to see our eye doctor for a diagnosis. We can then recommend treatment to help ease symptoms.
Causes of Eye Infections
Many kinds of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi can cause eye infections. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis can happen due to viruses, bacteria, or allergens. Other types of eye infections can include eyelid inflammation or blepharitis. Conditions or diseases in other parts of your body can also lead to eye infections. Our optometry team can discover the cause in order to determine which treatment is right for you.
How Our Optometrist Diagnoses Eye Infections
Our eye doctor will closely examine your eye and run tests as needed to find out what type of infection you have and what's causing it. Once we have this information, we can create a treatment plan to help your eye or eyes heal.
Eye Infection Treatments
How are these infections treated? That depends on the cause and type of eye infection. For bacterial infections, you'll need antibiotics to eliminate harmful bacteria. We can recommend ways to ease uncomfortable symptoms in the meantime, such as putting warm or cold compresses on your eyelids or using artificial tears. Other treatments might include anti-inflammatory eye drops.
Get Eye Care from Our Eye Doctor on Our Optometry Team for Eye Infections
If you're experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, we can help. Contact us at Andrew Stone Optometry in Columbia, MO, at (573) 445-7750 for an appointment with our optometrist. Dr. Stone & Dr. Wolf can check your eyes and give you treatment to help clear up eye infections and relieve symptoms. Our optometrists near you are here to help.