Eye infections happen because of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
They can affect any part of the eye, including the eyelid.
An infection can affect one eye at a time or both.
Celeste Muñoz / EyeEm / Getty Images
Celeste Munoz / EyeEm / Getty Images
Types
Conjunctivitis
Another name forconjunctivitisis pink eye.
If due to an infection, conjunctivitis can be easily spread from person to person.
Treatment
Usually, conjunctivitis goes away on its own within seven to 10 days.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
However, you may need antibiotic ointment or eye drops for a bacterial infection.
Your cornea is a dome that sits on top of the colored part of your eye and refracts light.
If you do not get treatment, there is a risk of permanent scarring and vision loss.
Emily Roberts / Verywell
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and ask about your symptoms.
You may need additional lab tests to determine the cause of keratitis.
Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is an infection that causes inflammation or swelling inside the eyeball’s tissues and fluids.
Cindy Chung / Verywell
This is a serious condition that can be an emergency because of the risk of permanent vision loss.
You will have your vision checked and may need an ultrasound.
Stye
Astyeis a bump on the eyelid resulting from an infection.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
It usually appears at the base of your eyelashes or under your eyelids.
An infection in the hair follicle of your eye can also cause a stye.
Bacteria are another common cause of styes.
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and check your symptoms.
Usually, a stye goes away on its own within seven days.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your stye is getting worse or not going away.
Usually, it is not contagious and does not harm the eyes.
Bacteria on the eyelids and near the base of the eyelashes can also cause this condition.
There are two types of cellulitis within the eye: Pre-septal cellulitis and more dangerousorbital cellulitis.
Cellulitis can spread, so it is important to seek prompt medical care.
Uveitis
Uveitisis a condition that affects the uvea, the middle layer of your eye.
It is an inflammatory disease that can damage the eye’s tissues.
Your healthcare provider will do an eye exam and check your symptoms.
Then, you may need blood tests, laboratory tests, and central nervous system tests.
You may also need a brain scan or MRI.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about staying healthy.
To prevent an eye infection, you’re able to:
MedlinePlus.Eye infections.
National Institutes of Health: National Eye Institute.Pink eye.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy contact lens wear and care: germs & infections.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is endophthalmitis?
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Eyelid bump.
National Institutes of Health: National Eye Institute.Blepharitis.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is cellulitis?