Hey, bright eyes...

Eye infections are common; here's how to keep your peepers perfect. 

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

• Occurs when the clear layer that covers the white part of your eye (the sclera) becomes infected.
• Can occur in one or both eyes, or start with one eye and spread to the other. Can be caused by viral, bacterial or fungal agents.
• Symptoms include redness, itchiness, teary eyes, light sensitivity and ocular irritation like grains of sand are stuck under the eyelids).
• Conjunctivitis usually resolves within a few days and can be treated with self-medication.
• Antihistamine eye drops will help treat the symptoms of itchy eyes. Antibacterial ointment will help with symptoms of ocular discomfort.
• If, however, the condition does not improve, get help from your optometrist.

Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) 
You may experience scratchy, red, dry eyes with slightly swollen, red, irritated eyelids. In severe cases the eyelashes
stick together and your vision may be affected.

• Blepharitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, malfunction of the oil glands in the eyelids, dandruff, or even mites or lice.
• It is best treated by a combination of tear lubricant, antibacterial ointment and good hygiene.
• See an optometrist for proper treatment of this infection, especially if it is recurrent.

Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea that covers the the iris)

• Corneal infections are usually painful. 
• Symptoms include light sensitivity and teary eyes. This can present with corneal ulcers, corneal scars.
• If it's not treated properly, complete opacification (whitening) of the cornea can happen.
• It is mostly caused by a virus, (herpes viruses, herpes simplex and herpes zoster) and the virus that causes chlamydia.
• It can also be caused by an injury to the eye or water contaminated with bacteria or fungus.
• Contact lens wearers can also develop keratitis from contaminated lenses, e.g. contact lenses that are not properly cleaned or wearing contact lenses while swimming.
• Get help immediately, if it's not treated properly, you could lose complete vision.