She got an infection in her eye. Viral eye infections: treatment of inflammation. Briefly about other infectious diseases of the eye

Eye infections are far from uncommon. They may have a different nature and causes, but regardless of this, they require mandatory treatment. Otherwise, a person can not only spoil his vision, but also provoke the development of blindness.

No one is safe from an eye infection. It can occur even in young children or, conversely, in the elderly. There is also no dependence on gender, men and women get sick with the same degree of frequency.

Of course, it does not arise by itself, and some reason always contributes to this. Lots of options:

• Weakened immune system;
• Taking immunosuppressive drugs. Such medicines are prescribed in special cases, for example, in the treatment of autoimmune diseases;
• Direct contact with an infected person;
• Allergic reaction;
• Prolonged eye strain;
• Tension caused by constant wearing of contact lenses;
• Too dry air;
• Poor hygiene;
• Getting into the eye of a foreign object;
• Mechanical injury to the eye;
• Operational intervention.

But the treatment will not depend on the cause of the occurrence, but on the type of pathogen.

Types of eye infections depending on the pathogen

There are four main types of infectious agents. These are: viruses, bacteria, fungi and representatives of conditionally pathogenic microflora.

Viruses

Viruses surround people everywhere and everywhere, and it can be very difficult to resist them. The result of their entry into the body is a wide variety of pathological conditions, including eye infections. Treatment usually does not require antibiotics.

A viral eye infection can be caused by pathogens such as:

• Cytomegalovirus;
• Herpes simplex virus, including chicken pox;
• adenovirus;
• measles virus;
• rubella virus;
• Mononucleosis virus;
• AIDS virus.

And even the usual ARVI can provoke the development of an infectious process in the eye.

Examples of the course of the disease:

• Adenovirus eye infection. The causative agents in this case belong to the group of acute respiratory infections. In this regard, the symptoms of conjunctivitis are very similar to the common cold. There may be fever, runny nose, perspiration and sore throat, swollen lymph nodes. All this is added by inflammation of the eyes in the form of redness, swelling, itching, photophobia. Adenovirus infection of the eye is usually characterized by the appearance of a clear discharge;
• Herpetic eye infection. Its danger lies in the fact that the symptoms that appear are very similar to an allergic reaction. The eyes begin to become very red, watery, it is difficult to endure bright light, and also experience pain. Since the pathogen can affect the cornea itself, during the illness, the patient may notice a decrease in visual acuity, the appearance of blurring, bifurcation of objects. Unfortunately, in advanced cases and if left untreated, vision can deteriorate significantly. The most unfavorable option is the development of blindness.

Infection with adenovirus disease, as well as herpetic or other viral nature, most often occurs through contact with a sick person. At the same time, it is not necessary to carry out tactile movements, it is enough just to pick up an object that was previously in his hands, and then rub his eyes. And, of course, the weaker the immune system, the higher the likelihood of infection.

bacteria

Bacterial infections tend to be more difficult than viral ones. It is not worth treating them on your own. They require a special approach. The causative agents can be bacteria from the genus staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, gonococci, as well as Haemophilus influenzae.

In this case, the following diseases can be diagnosed:

• Conjunctivitis. This is the most common diagnosis people face. As mentioned earlier, conjunctivitis can also be viral in nature. If the bacterium has become the causative agent, you should not waste time, it is necessary to start treatment, since there is a fulminant type of this disease, in which accelerated perforation of the cornea occurs and, as a result, blindness may develop;
• Keratitis. It is an acute inflammation of the cornea. The patient, in addition to general symptoms, may experience severe pain in the eye area. The seriousness of its course lies in the possible abscess and even tissue necrosis;
• Blepharitis. It differs from other types of diseases in that the inflammation is localized mainly in the region of the ciliary edge of the eyelids. In this regard, the patient may note not only tearing, itching, photophobia of the eyes, but also loss of eyelashes, and a violation of their proper growth.

It is difficult to assess the potential danger of bacterial eye infections. In each individual case, this will be influenced not only by the type of bacteria, but also by the state of the patient's immune system, as far as it is able to resist the development of a pathogenic microorganism.

Fungi

When visible symptoms of the disease appear, few people think that it could be a fungal infection of the eyes. But in vain, fungi are found in humans no less than viruses or bacteria.

The symptoms in this case are the same as in other types of infection. The patient complains of itching and burning in the eyes, severe tearing, blurring, discharge, often purulent. Ophthalmomycoses are more severe in young patients than in adults.

Representatives of conditionally pathogenic microflora

A huge number of microorganisms live in the human body. These are not simple bacteria, they belong to the group that makes up the opportunistic flora. This suggests that under normal conditions they do not pose a danger to humans, and moreover, they are necessary for his normal life. But sometimes the human immune system fails, and they begin to multiply pathologically and have an adverse effect. This infection is chlamydial.

Chlamydia are single-celled organisms that come out of the shadows when the body is under some kind of stress. It can be hypothermia, an ongoing illness, severe stress or depression, and even pregnancy. Since chlamydia prefer the microflora of the genital organs, the resulting eye irritation may indicate the presence of a urogenital infection, which the patient may not even be aware of.

A feature of this type of infection is that chlamydial microorganisms can affect various parts of the eye, namely:

• eye shell;
• Cornea;
• Connective tissues located between the conjunctiva and the sclera;
• meibomian glands;
• Blood vessels.

The incubation period lasts up to two weeks. The patient should limit contact with people, since chlamydial eye infection is quite easily transmitted from person to person or through shared objects. Infants are at the greatest risk of the disease. Unfortunately, with untimely treatment, the result can be complete blindness.

Clinical manifestations

A large number of eye infections causes the possibility of manifestation of various signs. How exactly the disease will proceed depends on the type of infection, the degree of its severity, as well as on the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

The most common symptoms of eye infections are:

• Redness of proteins;
• Increased tearing;
• Various discomforts. As a rule, it is itching, tingling or pain;
• Edema of adjacent skin. Visually, it is most pronounced on the upper eyelids;
• Discharge from eyes. The color, depending on their nature and consistency, may be transparent, white, yellow or more green. The last two options may indicate the presence of bacteria;
• Crusts. It is because of their appearance that the eyelids often stick together, and the eye can be difficult, and sometimes impossible to open without special procedures.

And even if we assume that the patient does not have the opportunity to immediately consult a doctor, and he tries to relieve inflammation on his own for a couple of days, then there are symptoms in which it is strongly recommended not to waste time and visit a medical facility. These include:

• Severe swelling and redness;
• Continuous tearing;
• Feeling of a foreign object in the eye;
• severe pain in the eyes;
• Photophobia. It is expressed in the pathological sensitivity of the pupils to bright light;
• Visual impairment. The appearance of blur. In some cases, even partial loss may be observed.

Eye diseases in children manifest themselves in a similar way.

Diagnostics

The vast majority of people at least once in their lives wake up and see their red infectious eyes in the mirror. And, unfortunately, many of them begin self-treatment with lotions from tea or herbal decoctions. In fact, the best thing a person can do in this case is to see a doctor for a diagnosis, especially if the symptoms do not disappear within a few days.

A specialist who can tell you what to do if an infection has got into the eye is an ophthalmologist. At the initial examination, the doctor checks visual acuity, and also examines the eyeball, fundus and cornea with the help of equipment. If necessary, the patient may be assigned additional diagnostic methods, such as a smear from the eye. On its basis, histological, cultural, molecular analyzes, PCR can be carried out. An eye swab is also needed to determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics.

The prescribed treatment depends on the source of the pathogen. So the patient can be shown:

• With viral infections. Eye drops "Tobrex", "Oftalmoferon", "Anandin". Antiviral tablets and ointments "Acyclovir", "Acyclostad", Zovirax, "Panavir";
• With bacterial infections, including those caused by opportunistic microflora. In this case, ophthalmic eye drops are required for infections from the antibiotic group. It can be "Tobrex", "Fucitalmik", "Tsipromed". From ointments, as a rule, "Tetracycline" or "Erythromycin" is prescribed. Oral antibiotics may be added if necessary;
• For fungal infections. Drops with antimycotic effect are selected. Among them are "Fluconazole", "Acromycin", "Amphoteicin". Among the ointments, you can stop at Miconazole or Nystatin.

In addition to taking medications, the patient should treat the eyes by constant antiseptic treatment, for example, with Chlorhexidine solution. It is important to remember that the hands must be thoroughly washed, and the cotton pads must always be new. Both eyes must be treated, even if only one is infected. Otherwise, the pathogens can go to a healthy organ.

In some cases, symptomatic treatment of the eyes and vision may be required. For this, the doctor prescribes certain drugs in each individual case. But a general recommendation for all patients may be taking vitamin complexes. They will help strengthen the immune system and speed up the healing process.

Prevention

You can minimize the risk of infections in the eyes by following simple rules. They include:

• Compliance with personal hygiene. You can not touch your eyes with unwashed hands, as well as use other people's shadows or mascara;
• Wearing sunglasses during bright sun;
• Wearing safety glasses during certain types of work;
• Compliance with all rules for the use of contact persons;
• Avoid severe eye strain. If fatigue and pain in the eyes occur, it is necessary to drip a couple of drops of a drug that relieves tension.

And, of course, it is important when the first signs of infection appear, to consult a doctor for a treatment appointment.

Burning, tearing and dryness in the eyes - these symptoms can indicate not only that the eyes are tired, but also about possible infections. Sati Agagulyan, Head of the Department of High-Tech Research Methods at the Yasny Vzor Children's Eye Clinic, explains why these infections occur and how to treat them.

Sati Aghagulyan

The infection can affect any part of the eye, from the conjunctiva to the cornea. As a rule, any kind of infection is expressed in the form of inflammation of the outer mucous membrane of the eye - conjunctivitis. Therefore, the symptoms are almost always the same as with the disease itself: sensitivity to light, pain, burning, redness, the appearance of discharge and crusts at the beginning of the day.

Eye infections are divided into four types: microbial, viral, fungal and infections caused by protozoa (the most rare).

microbial viruses

Most often, doctors encounter patients whose eye diseases are caused by microbial viruses. Microbes that constantly live in the eye, with a decrease in immunity (due to SARS, influenza and other things), begin to multiply actively - and subsequently cause conjunctivitis. Microbial conjunctivitis is characterized by a yellow or yellow-green discharge, red eye syndrome, lacrimation, and slightly swollen eyelids. The most common causative agents of microbial conjunctivitis are staphylococci, streptococci and other bacteria. When the eye is affected by Staphylococcus aureus, the process often becomes chronic, manifested by redness and the release of fluid from the eye several times a month. To combat such forms of conjunctivitis, long-term treatment and many drugs are needed - from drops to ointments.

The most common type of viral conjunctivitis is adenovirus. It is recorded in the autumn-spring period and, together with the symptoms listed above, can cause an increase in body temperature.

In addition to weak immunity, adenovirus can also be caused by contact with a carrier of the virus, hypothermia, eye injury, swimming in the pool, and violation of personal hygiene.

In no case should you self-medicate if symptoms of microbial infections are detected. It is better to consult an ophthalmologist on the same or the next day. Firstly, only he will be able to determine the type of disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Secondly, a timely appeal to a specialist will prevent the possibility of damage to the cornea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eye with improper treatment.

Treat adenovirus with antiviral agents for two weeks, including ointments and drops. Antihistamines may be added to this.

In order not to catch adenovirus again, you need to ventilate the room more often, do wet cleaning and follow the rules of personal hygiene, especially during an exacerbation of colds.

Fungal infections

Fungal diseases are more common in patients who wear contact lenses. And for those who wear not daily, but quarterly or semi-annual. Pathogenic fungi that live on the eyelids, lacrimal ducts or conjunctival sac can accumulate on the lens, multiply and cause fungal keratitis. In this case, the cornea itself is affected - the front of the eye. The symptoms that define conjunctivitis include blurred vision, a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the eye, and swollen eyelids.

It is important to identify a fungal disease in time and not confuse it with others, such as a bacterial ulcer. Diagnosis of a fungal infection can take up to a week because the ophthalmologist must analyze the culture on the cornea.

It is not worth delaying treatment, so as not to cause a corneal ulcer and subsequently blindness. Suspension solutions and even drops (in extreme cases, if other drugs do not help) can be used only after the final diagnosis of the ophthalmologist.

"Simple" infections

Infections caused by protozoa are most common again in contact lens wearers. Patients can swim in the sea, where the protozoa live, and literally stick them on the lens by accidental contact with water, and then transfer them to the eye. The protozoa reproduce instantly and within a few hours can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis. And this is one of the most severe eye lesions, occurring mainly in people aged 20 to 40 years. Patients with dry eye syndrome, diabetes mellitus and after eye surgery are at particular risk.

Severe pain in the eye area, decreased vision, photosensitivity - all these are signs of the development of keratitis. But this can only be understood for sure by a doctor, after biomicroscopy of the eye. And only then to be treated in the most usual way - drops, but it will last for a long time, at least six weeks. At the same time, antiseptics, antibacterial drops can be used in parallel. In some advanced cases - when a corneal ulcer occurs - the patient may also need surgical intervention. Photo: shutterstock.com

This type of infection should be highlighted in a separate paragraph. Chlamydial infections are divided into congenital and acquired. Most often, ophthalmologists encounter congenital conjunctivitis in children born to mothers with chlamydia. This manifests itself from the first day of a child's life: pronounced flakes appear, separated from the eye. It is very important to understand the deviation in time and start treatment. If the white pus lingers, the child may develop a corneal ulcer. The cornea seems to be melting under this pus - only 3-4 days will be enough for this, if treatment is not prescribed immediately. But usually in maternity hospitals, such a pathology is noticed immediately. Even at risk are children who were born during home birth.

Acquired chlamydial infection masquerades as ordinary conjunctivitis: redness, pain, watery eyes. If the patient does not pay attention to this, he can get a chronic form of the disease. That is, 4-6 times a month (!) In addition to the usual symptoms of the disease, he will have a slight pain and dry eye syndrome.

Eye diseases are very common nowadays. This is due to many factors: the rapid development of computer technology, environmental degradation and much more. There are over two thousand eye diseases. Consider the most common of them, as well as the main symptoms of these diseases.

Pathology of the optic nerves

- violation of blood flow in the intrabulbar or intraorbital region. Symptoms: decreased visual acuity and viewing angle, in certain areas there are "blind" zones.

Neuritis- a disease of an infectious nature, in which an inflammatory process occurs in the optic nerve. Symptoms: pain, loss of sensation in the area near the eye, weakening of the muscles that are located near the affected nerve.

nerve atrophy- a disease in which conduction is disturbed in nerve fibers. Symptoms: decreased visual acuity, up to complete blindness, impaired color perception, reduced viewing angle.

A condition in which the motor nerves of the eye cease to function normally, often leading to muscle paralysis and the inability to move the eyes. Symptoms: eyes shifted and fixed in one position.

Diplopia- with this disease, a person constantly sees double, which causes a lot of discomfort.

Diseases of the eye sockets, lacrimal ducts and eyelids

- an inflammatory process that occurs along the edges of the eyelids. Signs: redness, swelling and burning of the eyelids, a feeling of the presence of a mote in the eye, itching, discharge from the eyes, scabs on the eyelashes after sleep, painful perception of bright light, constant tearing, dryness and soreness in the eyes, the edges of the eyelids may peel off.

Cryptophthalmos- a rare disease in which the edges of the eyelids are fused together, which leads to a narrowing of the palpebral fissure, up to its complete absence.

Lagophthalmos- the eyelids do not close completely, as a result of which in some areas they remain constantly open, even during sleep.

Inversion of the century- the edges of the eyelids, on which the eyelashes are located, are turned in relation to the orbit. This leads to rubbing and constant irritation of the eyeballs, as well as the appearance of ulcers on the cornea.

coloboma- a pathological disorder in the structure of the eyelid. Often accompanied by other physiological defects - cleft palate, cleft lip and others.

- a disease in which a large amount of fluid accumulates under the skin in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eyelid. Symptoms: redness of the skin around the eyelids, pain and discomfort in the eyes, which increase during touch.

Blepharospasm- characterized by uncontrolled contraction of the facial muscles that hold the eyes. It looks like a person is suddenly starting to squint.

- a disease in which the upper eyelid is lowered down. There are several types of pathology. In some severe cases, the eyelid may droop so far that it completely covers the eye.

- an inflammatory disease of the eye, accompanied by purulent discharge. Occurs as a result of infection. Symptoms: the edges of the eyelids swell, redden and itch, when pressed, severe pain is felt, tears often flow, a feeling of discomfort (foreign body) in the eyes. With the acute development of the infection, signs of intoxication may be observed - malaise, weakness, high fever, headaches.

- pathological disorder of eyelash growth. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that it facilitates the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the eyes, and therefore inflammation of the conjunctiva, eyelids and eyeball often occurs.

Video: Eye diseases. Symptoms and treatment

Diseases of the tear-producing system

Dacryoadenitis- a disease that causes inflammation in the lacrimal glands. Appears as a result of chronic diseases, or infection in the body. In the presence of circulatory disorders, it can go into a chronic form. Signs: on the upper eyelid swelling, redness is formed, sometimes the eyeball may protrude. In the absence of timely treatment, the inflammation expands, causing malaise, high fever, and the formation of abscesses.

- an infectious inflammatory disease that develops in the lacrimal canal. There are several types - acute or chronic dacryocystitis, as well as acquired or congenital. Symptoms: pain, redness, swelling in the region of the lacrimal sac, constant lacrimation, discharge of pus from the lacrimal canals.

Tumors of the lacrimal glands- arise due to abnormalities in the development of the cells that make up the lacrimal glands. There are benign tumors, and there are malignant ones - for example, sarcoma. Symptoms: a growing neoplasm causes compression of the nerve nodes, which is accompanied by the appearance of pain in the eyes or in the head. Sometimes, due to the tumor, the eyeball is displaced, the movement of the eyes is difficult. Other signs of a tumor: swelling, increased intraocular pressure, blurred vision.

- a pathology characterized by protrusion of the eyeball. Occurs due to swelling of the tissues of the eye orbit. Symptoms of the disease, in addition to protrusion of the eyes, are: redness and swelling of the eyelids, soreness during touching.

Corneal diseases

- unequal pupil diameter. Usually appears after injury to the organs of vision. May cause increased photosensitivity, blurred vision. Sometimes anisocoria can indicate serious disorders in the cerebellum.

- a disease in which an inflammatory process is formed on the episcleral tissue. It begins with reddening of the tissue adjacent to the cornea, with further swelling. Symptoms: discomfort in the eye, pain in the eyes from bright light, discharge from the conjunctiva of a transparent color. Almost always, the disease goes away on its own.

- inflammation that occurs on the cornea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eye. It leads to clouding of the cornea, the appearance of infiltrates. The causes of keratitis can be trauma, viral or bacterial infections. If left untreated, inflammatory processes can spread not only along the cornea, but also to other parts of the eye. Signs: lacrimation, redness of the mucosa, increased sensitivity to bright light, the cornea ceases to be shiny and smooth.

Keratoconus- corneal dystrophy, which occurs due to the fact that intraocular pressure rises, which leads to a violation of the shape of the cornea. Signs: a sharp decrease in vision in the right or left eye, halos around the bulbs, myopia.

Aniridia- complete absence of the iris.

Polycoria- the presence of several pupils.

Diseases of the conjunctiva

- a disease in which tear fluid is produced less than normal. It can occur due to such reasons as: tumors, chronic inflammations, burns, injuries of the visual organs, old age, long courses of certain medications, etc. Signs: dryness in the eyes, redness of the eyeballs, burning, mucus secretion, intolerance to bright light, fog before the eyes.

Conjunctivitis- inflammation in the conjunctiva. There are several types of conjunctivitis - allergic, fungal, infectious, etc. Almost all types of conjunctivitis are contagious, easily transmitted not only through direct contact, but also through household items. In some cases, this disease can provoke severe complications. Signs: redness and swelling of the eyelids, itching, tearing, pus or mucus.

Neoplasms in the area of ​​the conjunctiva- pterygium (occurs in the corner of the eye from the inside), pinguecula (at the junction of the cornea and conjunctiva).

Diseases of the lens

- a disease in which the lens of the eye begins to gradually become cloudy. Pathology develops rapidly, can be in one eye or both, damages either the entire lens or some part of it. Cataracts are characteristic of older people, it is this disease that often leads to a sharp decrease in visual acuity, sometimes to complete blindness. Some somatic diseases or injuries of the visual organs can cause the development of cataracts in young people. Symptoms: rapid loss of visual acuity (you often have to change glasses to more powerful ones), poor visibility of objects at dusk (“night blindness”), color perception disorders, eye fatigue, rarely double vision.

Afakia- a pathology characterized by the absence of the lens. The lens can be removed due to the fact that it is severely damaged by trauma, or in some eye diseases - for example, with cataracts.

Anomalies of the lens- congenital cataract, biphakia, aphakia.

Pathologies of the retina or mucous membrane of the eyes

Retinitis- a disease that is characterized by the development of inflammatory phenomena on the retina of the eye. It occurs when the visual organs are injured, exposed to sunlight, or against the background of other diseases. Symptoms: narrowing of the field of vision, limited vision, doubling of objects, the appearance of bright spots in front of the eyes, poor visibility in the dark or twilight.

- a pathology in which the inner layers of the retina are separated from the choroid and nearby epithelial tissues. Most often, it can only be cured with surgery. Left untreated, the disease can lead to complete loss of vision. Symptoms: a dark veil before the eyes, blurred vision, distortion of the shape of objects, limited visibility to the sides, flashes or sparks often slip before the eyes.

In the event of microtraumas of the ocular surface (corneal injury when putting on a contact lens, damaged lens, accumulation of protein deposits on the lens), which are accompanied only by a feeling that something has got into the eye, treatment should not be neglected, since the lack of treatment of microtraumas can lead to irritation and redness, which in turn can contribute to the development of complications (keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, corneal ulcers), since damaged tissues are the gateway for infection.

To restore the tissues of the eye, drugs with dexpanthenol, a substance with a regenerating effect, have proven themselves well. In particular, Korneregel eye gel has a healing effect due to the maximum concentration of dexpanthenol of 5% *, and the carbomer included in its composition prolongs the contact of dexpanthenol with the ocular surface due to its viscous texture.

Angiopathy- violation of the structure of blood vessels in the eyes, is formed as a result of injury to the visual organs, increased intraocular pressure, malfunctions of the nervous system, arterial hypertension, intoxication of the body or anatomical pathologies in the structure of blood vessels. Symptoms: visual impairment, blurred vision, glare or bright flashes before the eyes, in severe cases, blindness.

Glaucoma- a chronic disease in which intraocular pressure is increased. Often leads to damage to the optic nerve and, as a result, to a sharp deterioration in vision up to its complete loss. The disease is irreversible, therefore, without timely treatment, there is a high risk of completely blind. Symptoms: poor visibility on the sides, dark spots, fog before the eyes, indistinguishability of objects in the dusk, in bright light - colored circles before the eyes.

Refractive errors

Myopia- a disease in which a person can not see objects in the distance. It is formed as a result of the fact that the image lines up in front of the retina. Symptoms: poor visibility of distant objects, eyes get tired quickly, discomfort, pain in the temples or forehead.

farsightedness- a pathology characterized by poor visibility of close objects, with good visibility of distant ones. In contrast to myopia, the image is formed behind the surface of the retina. Signs of this disease are often: fog before the eyes, sometimes - strabismus.

Astigmatism- a disease in which the light rays entering the retina cannot focus on it. Most often, astigmatism occurs due to physiological disorders in the structure of the cornea or lens. Symptoms: blurring, fuzzy objects, eye fatigue, headaches, the need to constantly strain your eyes to see.

Video: Eye diseases: which ones are curable?

Other eye diseases

Myodesopsia- the appearance of spots, "flies" or black dots before the eyes.

Strabismus- a disease in which the axis of vision deviates, which leads to the fact that binocular vision is impaired.

nystagmus- uncontrollable rapid eye movements.

Amblyopia- damage to the eye muscles, in which one eye stops working or moving. It is accompanied by a decrease in the sharpness of the affected eye, the inability to assess the distance to objects.

Leukoma (thorn)- the formation of scar tissue on the cornea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eye. Occurs due to eye injury, or with prolonged inflammatory processes in the body.

color blindness- Violation of color perception. Most often it is a congenital pathology.

Hemeralopia(“night blindness”) is a disease in which a person has difficulty seeing objects in poor light.

xanthopsia- a rare pathology in which a person sees all objects with a yellowish tint.

Panophthalmitis- destruction of the tissues of the eyeball, accompanied by the release of a large amount of pus.

Video: Primary angle-closure glaucoma

*5% - the maximum concentration of dexpanthenol among ophthalmic forms in the Russian Federation. April 2017
There are contraindications. It is necessary to read the instructions or consult with a specialist.

Eye diseases caused by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection are called contagious. They can have different localization, cause and symptoms. Any eye infections of the eyes require mandatory treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

Major Infectious Diseases and Eye Disorders: Causes and Treatment

The main types of eye infectious diseases are different types of conjunctivitis, blepharitis, inflammation of the optic nerve, dacryocystitis, keratitis, purulent lesions, barley. They can be caused by viruses, fungal pathogens, or bacteria that get inside the eye. They are the causative agents of diseases and the main cause of their development.

A person has a natural protective mechanism against the penetration of infections to the visual organs. The eyelids play the role of a natural barrier, the blink reflex provides hydration and cleansing of the conjunctiva, the composition of the lacrimal fluid neutralizes many pathogens. And yet, it is not uncommon for a person to develop infectious diseases of the eye. Why is this happening?

Infection can easily get into the eyes if there are a number of factors:

• poor hygiene (hands, face, contact lenses);
• eye injury of any nature;
• pathological conditions that lead to a violation of the composition and integrity of the tear film;
• poor immunity, as well as diseases that weaken the functions of the immune system.

Treatment of infectious eye diseases is always prescribed taking into account the cause of inflammation. If bacteria caused the infection, the ophthalmologist will prescribe antibacterial drops, ointments or gels. With a viral etiology of the disease, antiviral and immunostimulating drugs are prescribed, respectively. Also, depending on the accompanying symptoms, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and other medications can be used in the treatment.

The effectiveness of treatment is directly related to early diagnosis. Infectious eye diseases in the advanced stage are much more difficult to treat than at an early stage. Also, during the treatment of any eye infection, it is important to strictly adhere to the recommendations of the doctor, do not use contact lenses and maintain hygiene.

Typical symptoms of infectious eye diseases

There are many types of infectious diseases, and each has specific symptoms that make it possible to accurately diagnose it.
But there are a number of common signs that most often indicate an eye infection. These include:

• eye redness;
• discharge of pus;
• dry crusts in the corners of the eyes after waking up;
• feeling of "sand" or "mote" in the eyes;
• swelling of the eyelids and peeling of the skin in the eye area;
• pain and discomfort;
• increased sensitivity to light and photophobia;
• lacrimation;
• reduced visual acuity.

It should be noted that these signs can also be accompanied by other non-infectious diseases. Therefore, you can not diagnose yourself by these symptoms and self-medicate. If you have redness, pain or purulent discharge in the eyes, first consult an ophthalmologist and only then begin treatment.

Infectious conjunctivitis of the eye: types, symptoms, treatment

Infectious conjunctivitis is a condition in which the outer layer of the eyeball becomes inflamed. It is one of the most common eye diseases and can occur in people of any age, from newborns to the elderly. There are two main types of infectious conjunctivitis - bacterial and viral. The bacterial variety of the disease can be caused by streptococci, staphylococci, gonococci and other types of bacteria. Characteristic symptoms are yellow or gray purulent discharge from the eyes in the morning, which can cause the eyelids to stick together, as well as dryness of the eyeball and adjacent tissues. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotics in the form of ophthalmic ointments or drops, in addition, be sure to clear the eyes of purulent accumulations.

With viral conjunctivitis, discharge from the eyes does not contain pus, so it is clear and watery. Often, the disease is accompanied by an increase in the lymph nodes in the area of ​​​​the ears and pain in this area. Viral conjunctivitis often develops against the background of nasopharyngeal infections and a general decrease in immune defenses. In the treatment, antiviral drops based on interferon, antiherpetic drugs can be used. To help prevent a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointment or drops.

The main danger of untreated infectious conjunctivitis is the high likelihood of complications, in particular the appearance of scars on the conjunctiva and tear film disruption. Also, an untreated infection affects the eyes in the cornea, which can result in a serious deterioration in vision.

Types of blepharitis - symptoms and features

Blepharitis, an inflammatory process that is concentrated on the edge of one or both eyelids, is one of the chronic infectious diseases of the eyes. Most often, blepharitis develops after injuries or as a result of long-term exposure to caustic substances or gases.
There are different types of blepharitis, the symptoms of which vary. A simple form of the disease is characterized by redness of the eyelids, slight swelling, a feeling of "mote" in the eye, which does not go away after washing. With scaly blepharitis, swelling and redness of the edge of the eyelids are more pronounced. In addition, scales of a gray or yellowish hue appear along the edge of the ciliary growth. The patient may experience itching and pain when blinking.

The most severe form of blepharitis is ulcerative. It is characterized by the same signs, only more pronounced. A characteristic symptom is the formation of painful ulcers along the edge of eyelash growth.

Treatment of blepharitis is aimed at combating the symptoms and eliminating the cause that caused the inflammation. Also, for the success of therapy, it is important to carefully observe the hygiene of the eyelids.

Briefly about other infectious diseases of the eye

• Neuritis of the optic nerve.

Pathology is intraocular inflammation and affects the optic nerve. Its first symptoms are a decrease in visual acuity for no apparent reason, a violation of color perception and the boundaries of the visual field. The consequences of the disease in the absence of adequate treatment can be severe (up to irreversible visual impairment). If therapy was started on time, the optic nerve usually recovers completely.

• Purulent infections.

There are several types of purulent eye infections, in particular iridocyclitis, endophthalmitis, panophthalmitis. They differ in the severity of the course and clinical symptoms, but all these pathologies are usually caused by bacterial-type pathogens - streptococci and staphylococci - entering the eyes. Most often, purulent infections develop as a result of penetrating trauma to the eyeball.

Inflammatory disease, the focus of which is located in the eye sclera. Taking into account the location of localization, sclerites are divided into superficial and deep. Usually the disease develops against the background of a general infection of a viral or bacterial type.

• Infectious keratitis.

So called inflammation of the cornea, which is often provoked by viruses. Reddened and cloudy eyes, soreness of the eyeballs, tearing, rashes in the form of small bubbles, ulcers, a sharp deterioration in visual acuity and itching can indicate keratitis. Lack of proper treatment for keratitis can lead to blindness, so a doctor should be consulted at the first sign of infection.

Inflammatory eye disease, which is familiar to many since childhood. With this pathology, inflammation is localized in the sebaceous gland or hair follicle of the eyelash, where pathogenic microorganisms enter. In the affected area, redness first occurs, then swelling and accumulation of infiltrate. The result is an abscess that looks like a barley grain. With proper treatment, the abscess opens on its own after a few days, after which pain, redness and other symptoms gradually disappear.

• Dacryocystitis.

With this disease, the lacrimal sac becomes inflamed. Risk factors are congenital features of the visual apparatus - narrowing or complete obstruction of the lacrimal canal, fluid stagnation. Pathology can occur in an acute form or acquire a chronic course. Often accompanied by purulent discharge, lacrimation, swelling in the area of ​​the outer corner of the eye.

General rules for the prevention of infectious eye diseases

Most infectious ophthalmic diseases can be transmitted by contact. Simple preventive measures will help to minimize the risk of the disease:

• Carefully observe the hygiene of the face and hands, never touch your eyes with your palms.
• Do not wear lenses during SARS and other infectious diseases.
• Thoroughly clean routine replacement contact lenses to keep pathogens out of your eyes.

• Do not allow other people to use your contact lenses.
• Try to avoid contact with infected people, if possible, do not visit crowded places during the cold period.
• Strengthen your immune system through hardening, a balanced diet, physical activity.
• After consulting with your doctor, use moisturizing and cleansing eye drops.

It is difficult to cover all infectious eye diseases, causes and treatment in one article. The main thing to remember is that any infection must be treated, otherwise it can lead to complications. Therefore, having noticed the first signs of an infectious eye disease, immediately seek qualified ophthalmological help.

Timely consultation and diagnosis of a doctor will help to avoid complications, cure the infection in a short time and preserve vision.

The organs of vision are protected from problems such as eye infections by the anatomical barrier of the eyelid. Moreover, with the help of the blink reflex, continuous hydration occurs. The infectious process can affect any part of the eye, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea.

Infectious diseases of the eyes most often manifest themselves in the form of symptoms characteristic of conjunctivitis - inflammation of the outer mucous membrane of the eye.

Ophthalmic diseases can occur for a variety of reasons: pathology of the tear film, trauma, weakening of the immune system. Inflammation is characterized by the appearance of unpleasant sensations, among which one can distinguish a decrease in visual acuity, increased sensitivity to light, pain in the eye, redness, the appearance of discharge and crusts.

The effectiveness of treatment in children and adults directly depends on timely diagnosis, which should be handled by a qualified specialist. What eye infections exist, what are they called, what signs are they characterized by and is it possible to get rid of them? We will talk about this and much more later in the article.

Infectious eye diseases in humans

There are a number of infectious diseases that are very common:

• conjunctivitis;
• trachoma;
• blepharitis;
• dacryocystitis;
• endophthalmitis;
• keratitis;
• staphylococcal ulcer of the cornea and many others.

Serious ophthalmic disorders of an infectious nature require immediate medical attention. Mild infections can be treated at home, but if the condition worsens after two or three days, see a doctor. Eye wash solutions can help relieve the symptoms of eye infections. Decoctions of medicinal herbs in the form of compresses are also very useful.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

• the eyes become red and swollen, and there is also a dense discharge. Most likely, this is a sign of a bacterial process that requires the use of antibiotics;
• pain in the eyes, which is accompanied by photophobia and blurred vision;
• pupils have different sizes;
• the presence of a foreign body;
• eye infection symptoms do not improve after four days of home treatment.

Early diagnosis by an ophthalmologist will help speed up the healing process

The pathological process can be caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. The disease manifests itself in the form of such complaints of people:

• redness of the eye protein;
• lacrimation;
• white or yellow discharge;
• dry crusts in the eyelids and on the corners of the eyes after sleep;
• the skin of the eyelids peel off and swell;
• a small red lump appears on the edge of the eyelids.

Chlamydial infection

Chlamydia are neither bacteria nor viruses. They are called conditionally pathogenic microflora, which means that in a healthy body, microbes can exist and not cause any disturbances, but under the influence of certain factors, activation and reproduction of chlamydia can occur.

Their peculiarity is that they can wait a long time. Chlamydia are located in the epithelium of various organs, waiting for favorable conditions for their activation. It can be stress, hypothermia or a weakened immune system.

Important! A third of all recorded conjunctivitis is caused by chlamydial infection.

Chlamydia can stay in the body for a long time, waiting for the right moment for their activation.

Chlamydia of the organs of vision can occur in various organs, namely:

• keratitis - damage to the cornea;
• paratrachoma - inflammation of the eye membrane;
• meibolitis - inflammation of the meibomian glands;
• episcleritis - a pathology in the tissues that connect the conjunctiva and sclera;
• uveitis - damage to blood vessels and more.

Most often, the spread of infection occurs when the pathogenic microbe is transferred from the genital organs. The patient can transmit chlamydia to his sexual partner. In most cases, the disease is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. The source of infection can be heavy hands or personal items. You can catch chlamydia in public places, such as a bathhouse, sauna, swimming pool.

Important! Often, chlamydia in the eyes is a clear sign of a urogenital infection that occurs with mild clinical symptoms.

Chlamydial infection is a common cause of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye.

At risk are men and women who are promiscuous, patients with acute or chronic conjunctivitis, as well as children of mothers suffering from chlamydia. Also at risk are doctors who, by the nature of their activities, have to contact with patients.

The incubation period lasts from five to fourteen days. In most cases, the infection process is unilateral. The typical symptoms of chlamydia are:

• infiltration of the mucous membrane of the eye;
• swelling of the eyelids;
• itching and pain in the eyes;
• eyelids stick together in the morning;
• photophobia;
• inflammation of the auditory tube;
• enlargement of regional lymph nodes;
• omission of the eyelid;
• discharge of mucous or purulent nature.

The pathological process can be eliminated with the help of local and systemic antibiotic therapy. Specialists often prescribe antibiotic eye drops: Lomefloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin and Norfloxacin.

Important! Lack of timely treatment threatens the development of blindness.

Viral eye infection

The organs of vision are often attacked by viruses. Viral infection can cause:

• adenovirus;
• herpes simplex virus;
• cytomegalovirus;
• measles virus, mononucleosis, rubella, chickenpox.

Adenovirus

A distinctive feature of adenovirus infection is the appearance of a watery secret from the eye and nasal cavity. Among the most common symptoms of ailments are the following:

• mucous secretions;
• eye redness;
• lacrimation;
• photophobia;
• itching, burning;
• eyelid swelling;
• feeling of sand.

Adenovirus eye infections are most common in children and middle-aged adults.

ARVI symptoms also appear: runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever. Most often, infection occurs when the child came from the street and began to rub his eyes with dirty hands. Transmission of infection can occur by airborne droplets and contact-household way.

Many consider adenovirus infection a harmless process that does not entail the appearance of serious complications. But in fact, this is not entirely true. An untreated disease can lead to a chronic process, as well as the development of bacterial conjunctivitis.

It is not so easy to treat an adenovirus infection, this is due to the ability of the pathogen to mutate. To combat the disease, doctors often prescribe Oftalmoferon.

Herpes

Herpes can manifest itself in different ways, the most dangerous option is herpetic eye damage. The pathological process can lead to damage to the cornea and even to the development of blindness.

The herpes virus can enter the body through the mucous membrane of the mouth, respiratory organs or sexually. Infection can also occur when sharing dishes or a towel.

Ophthalmic herpes can easily be confused with allergies, so do not self-diagnose, this can be fraught with loss of vision

The body is protected by immunity, so for a long time it can provide decent resistance. If, for some reason, the immune system weakens, ophthalmic herpes appears. Its appearance can provoke banal hypothermia, stressful situations, injuries, pregnancy.

The manifestations of herpes in the eyes can easily be confused with an allergy or a bacterial lesion, which is why self-diagnosis cannot be done. Ophthalmoherpes manifests itself as follows:

• redness of the mucous membrane of the eye and eyelid;
• pain syndrome;
• deterioration of vision, in particular, twilight;
• profuse lacrimation;
• photosensitivity.

The condition can be exacerbated by the appearance of pain, nausea, fever and enlargement of regional lymph nodes. To make a diagnosis, the patient takes a scraping of cells from the affected area of ​​​​the skin and mucous membrane. And enzyme immunoassay will reveal antibodies to herpes infection.

Ophthalmic herpes should be treated with the following medicines:

• antiviral: Acyclovir, Oftan-IDU, Valaciclovir;
• immunopreparations: Interlok, Reaferon, Poludan, Amiksin;
• herpes vaccine. It is introduced strictly in the period without exacerbation: Vitagerpevac and Gerpovak;
• mydriatics to relieve spasm: Atropine, Irifrin;
• antiseptics;
• antibiotics;
• vitamins.

Herpes transmission can occur by sharing utensils

HIV

With the immunodeficiency virus, the front and back of the eye is affected. In patients, there is a change in the microcirculation of the conjunctiva, tumors and infections. Neoplasms in HIV infection are represented by lymphomas. With uveitis, there is a bilateral lesion, although the disease is characterized by a unilateral course.

Common viral diseases

Let's talk in more detail about two common pathological processes:

• Uveitis. In twenty percent of cases, the disease leads to complete blindness. The conjunctiva becomes red, lacrimation, photophobia, pain, blurred vision are observed. With uveitis, the blood vessels of the eye are most affected. Treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents.
• Keratitis. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in infants and the elderly. With a superficial type, only the epithelium of the cornea is affected, and with a deep type, the entire stroma is affected. The eye becomes edematous, red, vesicular discharge and turbidity appear. Treatment includes the use of immunomodulatory, antibacterial and antiviral agents.

With a viral infection of the eye, symptoms characteristic of SARS may appear.

fungal infection

Experts call fungal diseases mycoses. Currently, there are more than fifty types of fungi that can cause ophthalmomycosis. The pathogen can penetrate damaged areas, for example, with eye injuries. Also, the fungus can affect the eye, moving from other areas, for example. With mycoses in the area of ​​the skin of the face.

Ophthalmomycoses are more common in childhood and are much more severe than in adults. Regardless of the form and type of fungus, the disease has the same type of clinical manifestations:

• burning and itching;
• redness;
• purulent discharge;
• the formation of a film on the mucosa;
• lacrimation;
• painful sensations;
• blurred vision;
• decreased vision;
• the formation of ulcers and wounds on the eyelids.

The photo shows a characteristic manifestation of ophthalmomycosis

For systemic use, fungicidal, antimycotic and antibacterial agents are prescribed. Locally, the eyelids are lubricated with antimycotic solutions and ointments.

Bacterial diseases

Bacterial eye lesions are distinguished by pronounced clinical symptoms, which prompt the patient to consult a doctor. To make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe an effective antibacterial agent, patients must pass a bacteriological smear. Cultures can show which pathogen is present in the body and which antibiotic it is sensitive to.

Conjunctivitis

Bacteria can cause several types of conjunctivitis:

• Fulminant. The condition requires urgent medical attention. It can lead to corneal perforation and loss of vision. The basis of treatment is systemic antibacterial agents.
• Spicy. The process has a benign character and, with adequate treatment tactics, passes in one to two weeks. Nevertheless, there is a risk of transition of an acute process into a chronic form.
• Chronic. The most common causative agent of the chronic form is Staphylococcus aureus.

Medicine for infection should be prescribed by a qualified specialist

Keratitis

Bacterial infection of the cornea causes clouding, redness, pain and ulceration. The pathological process proceeds as a sluggish ulcer. The most common cause of keratitis is pneumococcal infection.

To eliminate the disease, doctors prescribe antibiotic eye drops. If left untreated, bacterial keratitis can lead to the formation of a hard cornea.

Blepharitis

Bacteria provoke the development of chronic inflammation of the eyelids. The main causative agent of blepharitis is Staphylococcus aureus.

The disease is difficult to treat. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops. Treatment continues for a month after the disappearance of clinical symptoms.

Dacryocystitis

Dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac. The disease can occur in acute and chronic form. Treatment includes the use of systemic antibiotics based on cefuroxime. In some cases, surgery is indicated.

So, eye infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. Treatment tactics are selected depending on the specific pathogen. Some infectious processes are fraught with the development of serious complications, up to blindness. That is why it is extremely important to consult a doctor in a timely manner for a diagnostic examination. Some diseases can be quite similar in their manifestations, so self-medication can seriously harm you.