Eye Infections
& Red Eyes
Expert Care for Eye Infections & Red Eyes - Book Your Same-Day Appointment Today!
Our optometry clinic is dedicated to providing professional and efficient care for eye infections and red eyes. Our team leverages advanced technology and expertise to offer prompt, targeted treatments, ensuring both symptom relief and comprehensive ocular health management. We prioritize a thorough, effective approach to eye care, upholding the highest standards of professional excellence in every patient interaction.
All of our optometrists are licenced in Alberta to prescribe both topical and oral medications.
Cost: Covered by Alberta Health Care
Frequency: Hopefully Never
Please Note: Eye Infection Visits Do Not Generate a Prescription for New Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses.
Common Eye Infections
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Hordeolum (Styes)
These are painful, red lumps near the edge of the eyelid, typically caused by bacterial infections in an eyelash follicle or oil gland. Styes can cause significant discomfort and swelling.
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Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
This infection involves inflammation of the conjunctiva and can be viral, bacterial, or allergic. Symptoms include redness, itching, and discharge.
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Keratitis
An infection or inflammation of the cornea, often caused by bacteria, viruses, dry eye, toxicity or improper contact lens use. Symptoms include pain, redness, and blurred vision.
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Episcleritis
This condition involves inflammation of the episclera, leading to localized redness and discomfort or tenderness in one section of the eye, often without any discharge.
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Allergies
Eye allergies typically cause red, itchy, watery eyes and are triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Out optometrists can prescribe topic and oral treatments.
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Blepharitis & Demodex
This involves inflammation of the eyelid margins, often due to skin conditions or bacterial infections. It can cause redness, itching, and flaky skin around the eyelids.
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Meibomitis
A type of blepharitis when the meibomian glands in the eyelids become inflamed, often leading to dry eyes, redness, and swelling of the eyelid margins.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Eye Infections
Eye infections can present a variety of symptoms, and recognizing them early is key to effective treatment. Here are some expanded details on common symptoms associated with eye infections:
Redness: Often the most noticeable sign, it can range from slight redness to a deep, bloodshot appearance. Redness is usually due to inflammation or irritation of the eye or eyelids.
Pain or Discomfort: This can vary significantly, from a mild, irritating sensation to intense pain. The pain might be constant or only occur when blinking or touching the eye area.
Discharge: Depending on the type of infection, discharge from the eye can vary. It may be watery, mucous-like, or even pus-like in more severe infections. The colour can range from clear to yellow or green.
Itching and Irritation: Particularly common in infections caused by allergies or irritants. Itching can lead to a vicious cycle of rubbing and further irritation. However, it's important to note that itchiness is not always related to allergies.
Blurred Vision: Infections that affect the cornea or tear film can lead to a temporary decrease in vision clarity. In some cases, sensitivity to light may also occur.
Swelling: Eyelid swelling is common in infections like styes and blepharitis. In more severe cases, the entire area around the eye may become swollen.
Feeling of a Foreign Body: A sensation as if something is in the eye, often accompanied by increased tear production as the eye tries to flush out the perceived irritant.
Crusting or Flaking: Particularly noticeable in the morning, crusts or flakes can form at the eyelashes or eyelid margins due to discharge drying overnight.
Tearing: An increase in tear production, or watery eyes, can be a response to irritation or inflammation caused by an infection.
Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Some eye infections can make the eyes more sensitive to light, causing discomfort or a need to squint in bright environments.