Eye Infections and Injuries That Should Be Seen In The ER

Common eye infections or injuries are those that affect the eyes and the surrounding areas. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms.

Some common eye infections include:

Conjunctivitis (pink eye): This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens.
Stye: A stye is a painful, red lump that develops on the edge of the eyelid. It is caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland in the eyelid.
Keratitis: This is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Cellulitis: This is a bacterial infection of the skin around the eye, which can cause redness, swelling, and pain.
Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelid, which can cause redness, itching, and flaking of the skin around the eyelid.

Emergency Room Visits for Eye Infections and Injuries

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention:

Severe pain in the eye or around the eye
Blurred or double vision
Loss of vision or sudden changes in vision
Severe sensitivity to light
Swelling of the eyelids or face
Eye injury or trauma
Pus or discharge from the eye
Foreign object in the eye that cannot be removed
Eye pain associated with headache, nausea, or vomiting.

It is important to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may indicate a serious eye infection or condition that requires immediate treatment.

How to prevent common eye infections

There are several things you can do to prevent common eye infections. Here are some tips:

Wash your hands regularly: Many eye infections are caused by bacteria or viruses that are spread through contact with your hands. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes or face.
Avoid touching your eyes: Your hands come into contact with a lot of germs throughout the day. Avoid touching your eyes, as this can introduce germs into the eye and increase the risk of infection.
Keep your contact lenses clean: If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow the cleaning and storage instructions provided by your eye doctor. This can help prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
Avoid sharing eye makeup: Sharing eye makeup can increase the risk of spreading infection. Use your own makeup and avoid using tester products at makeup counters.
Protect your eyes from irritants: Chemicals, smoke, and other irritants can cause eye infections. Wear protective glasses or goggles when working with chemicals or other irritants.
Maintain good hygiene: Take care of your overall health and hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and practice good personal hygiene.
Visit your eye doctor regularly: Regular eye exams can help detect early signs of infection or other eye problems. If you experience symptoms such as redness, itching, or discharge, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience serious eye infections or injuries, visit the nearest ER of Texas Emergency Rooms For immediate medical care.

We have 9 facilities spread across the DFW area that are OPEN 24/7 located in Hurst, Colleyville, Frisco, Highland Village, Hillcrest, Uptown, Little Elm, Mansfield, and Texoma.