Eye Infections & Swelling: What to Do and When to See a Specialist

The Common One: Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis — "pink eye" — is inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white of the eye. It can be viral, bacterial or allergic, and it's very common and usually not serious.

• Viral: watery discharge, can start in one eye and spread — often with a cold
• Bacterial: thicker, sticky discharge, especially after sleep
• Allergic: itching, watering and swelling, often in both eyes

Simple hygiene — washing hands, not sharing towels, avoiding touching your eyes — prevents it spreading to family members.

Red Flags That Need a Specialist

Most red eyes settle on their own, but get urgent specialist advice if you have:

• Eye pain — not just discomfort or grittiness
• Sudden blurred vision or loss of vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Swelling that spreads to the eyelid or face, with pain or fever
• Discharge with pus, or glued-shut eyes in the morning
• Symptoms following a recent eye injury, surgery or contact-lens use
• You wear contact lenses with a painful red eye — these need prompt review

Swelling, Styes and Lumps

Eyelid swelling is often a stye — a small, tender lump where an eyelash follicle is infected. Warm compresses three or four times a day usually help a stye come to a head and drain on its own. Don't squeeze it. If swelling is sudden, extensive, painful or spreading despite warm compresses, see a specialist promptly.

What a Specialist Will Do

At our clinic we'll examine your eye under a slit lamp, identify the type and cause of the infection, and prescribe the right treatment — antibiotic or soothing drops, or other care — so you recover faster and avoid complications.

Golden Rules of Eye Hygiene

• Wash hands well before touching your eyes or applying drops
• Never share towels, pillows or eye makeup
• Replace eye makeup regularly; stop using contaminated items
• Clean contact lenses properly — never use water or saliva
• Discard contact-lens cases monthly and replace on schedule