Eye infections can develop due to bacteria, fungi or viruses. They can occur in one or both eyes, and tend to produce uncomfortable symptoms, including itchiness, redness, swelling and discharge, among many others. Many eye infections will not improve on their own and can worsen quickly, so it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.
The symptoms you experience will depend on the type of infection present. However, some of the most common eye infection symptoms include:
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of an eye infection or irritation, we recommend making an appointment with an eye doctor promptly. This is particularly important if your symptoms appear to be worsening and are interfering with your ability to partake in your normal daily activities, such as driving safely, working, etc.
Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is the irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the white area of the eyeball. It’s extremely contagious and may cause redness, itching, excessive tearing, discharge and crusting. Additional classic signs include eyelids that are stuck shut in the morning and a persistent feeling that there’s sand in your eye. If you notice any of these signs, stop wearing your contact lenses and schedule an appointment immediately. If it’s determined that you have pink eye, Dr. Benjamin will prescribe eye drops and ointment to clear this extremely contagious infection and prevent further damage.
Styes develop when the small glands along the eyelids become clogged. They are filled with pus and can typically be treated with a warm washcloth. If the stye does not improve within a few days of caring for it at home, you should schedule an eye doctor appointment for an examination.
Blepharitis refers to the inflammation of the eyelids, causing redness, soreness and crusting. It’s a chronic condition that can be treated with hot compresses, eyelid scrubs and antibiotic ointment.
An infected tear duct refers to inflammation affecting the tear draining system. It develops when bacteria slowly build up in a blocked tear duct, resulting in an infection. Symptoms include excessive tearing, redness and/or discharge, and the infection is most often treated with oral antibiotics. If the stye doesn’t respond to medication, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage and clear the infection.
During your appointment, Dr. Benjamin and Dr. Golchet will focus on determining which infection or irritation is causing the problem. They will ask about your health history and symptoms, before carefully examining your eyes. If your symptoms are particularly severe or they notice an infection in the cornea, they will sample drainage from your eye as well.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, schedule an appointment with Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet today.
They will perform a comprehensive examination, offer a definitive diagnosis and provide a custom treatment plan designed to fully resolve the condition and restore your optimal eye health.
Wow! I just had surgery by Dr. Benjamin yesterday. Today I have 20-20, in that eye. Painless & perfect. I had no Idea, what I had been missing.
Wonderful eye institute. Delightful & very efficient & up to date staff. Especially Myka. Treat yourself to good eye sight by the charming Dr. Benjamin. You will be in good hands.
Doe
I have had dry eyes for a quite sometime and had seen several physicians and got eye drops etc but not until I have seen Dr. Benjamin I found how serious problem that it was. I had the most thorough and individual attention by Dr. Benjamin. He explained to me my problem and treatment options available. Dr. Benjamin and His staff are very caring and they spend as much time with you as needed and one feels taken care of. I was given state of the art treatment for my dry eyes and my eyes went from feeling tired , red , scratchy and itchy to brilliantly glowing clear. Office is very serene and staff is attentive, pleasant and smiling. Dr. Benjamin is very down to earth and explains thoroughly that one understands what alis them. I will definitely keep coming back for all my eye issues.
I wish I had come to Dr. Benjamin years ago!!!
I have been hopping around between 3 eye doctors in the last few years complaining of severe eye pain, redness - so bad I haven't been able to wear contacts for a year. Every other doctor made a diagnosis in 2 minutes, prescribed a few things and sent me on my way. Nothing helped and the doctors kept saying my eyes looked fine despite my symptoms. Finally I saw Dr. Benjamin, and he listened to my concerns from top to bottom and did tests the other doctors never did! He made a brand new diagnosis which finally makes sense and fits my symptoms. He spent almost an hour with me which is unbelievable. I am so impressed with this place, even the front desk and other staff were so friendly. I'm so relieved and am looking forward to making a recovery with Dr. Benjamin and eventually getting LASIK.
Life is beautiful. See it clearly.
Monday-Friday: 8AM-5PM
9201 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 709
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Please take a moment to rate your experience
with our team.
