Eye infections in Massachusetts & Rhode Island

There are a number of common eye problems that can cause pain, irritation, redness, scratching, and temporary vision loss. Certain eye problems are the result of certain activities, lifestyle choices, or medical decisions. Eye Health Vision Centers of the greater South Coast area are equipped to diagnose and treat common and rare forms of eye infection. In some cases, an eye infection will clear up on its own or with assistance by a home remedy. In other cases, treatment may be required to decrease discomfort and treat an infection. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with your eyes, schedule an exam with a member of our skilled, qualified team. Our teams in Middletown, RI, Dartmouth, Fall River, Fairhaven, and Taunton, MA use comprehensive diagnostic techniques and state-of-the-art technology to treat your condition and help you regain clear vision and full comfort.

A few of the highly common eye problems our team at Eye Health Vision Centers treats include:

Foreign Body

A foreign body is an object in your eye that shouldn’t be there. This could be a wood chip, a metal shaving, or a piece of glass, among other things. The most common places to find a foreign body in the eye are underneath the eyelid or on the surface. Many times an injury from a foreign body is minor and does not require medical care. But at times, complications occur and could include infection, corneal scratching, ulcers, and corneal scarring.

Stye

A stye is a very common occurrence that results when bacteria becomes lodged in the follicles of your eyelash. A stye appears as a red bump on the eyelid just beneath the lashes either above or below the eyelid. Styes can be any size, but large ones can cause great irritation. While styes can often be treated at home, Eye Health Vision Centers can recommend a treatment plan if they occur regularly.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid that is common among adults. Most commonly caused by bacteria on the eyelid, blepharitis can also be caused by chronic dry eye or fungal infection. Patients with ocular rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis are at an increased risk for blepharitis. Depending on the cause of the condition, our team can treat blepharitis in-office through a variety of methods.

Conjunctivitis

Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections we see. Typically caused by bacteria or a virus, pink eye often results in itchiness, redness, and discharge. This condition is very contagious and spreads easily among children but can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are open sores on the cornea that develop following trauma to the eye or an infection. Often referred to as an abscess, corneal ulcers occur when direct irritation to the cornea takes place. With efficient, professional treatment, corneal ulcers can be healed quickly, preventing corneal scarring or vision loss.

Uveitis

Uveitis is an infection that affects the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye. The most common symptoms are distinct redness and inflammation of the iris. Treatments for this eye condition are eye drops and/or antibiotics, both of which can help ease the inflammation.

Even the most minor eye conditions can cause great discomfort and worry. While vision loss with most common eye conditions is extremely rare, blurred vision may result. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include stinging, itching, and watering, as well as swollen eyes. Some infections can cause discharge, which may, in turn, dry and crust over the eyelashes. Others may cause bumps on or around the eyelid. Infections can also cause a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

The cause of many common eye problems is bacteria, fungus, or a virus. These things are spread from person to person and come into contact with the eyes when you touch them. This is especially common in patients that wear contact lenses, which is why it is imperative that you wash your hands before inserting or removing your contacts. If you use cosmetics, you should be sure to sanitize your makeup brushes and dispose of eyeliner pencils and mascara if you are experiencing an eye infection. Foreign bodies in the eye can be caused by many things so take caution by wearing protective eyewear when possible.

Before a treatment plan can be created, you will need a thorough examination by a member of our team. Afterward, we will be able to prescribe the right protocol to treat your eye condition. Your treatments option could range from prescription eye drops to oral antibiotics while a cortisone or steroid shot may be necessary for some circumstances. If our team believes you could benefit from laser treatment or minimally invasive surgical intervention, we will schedule you to meet with one of our experienced ophthalmologists. Whatever the treatment plan consists of, Eye Health Vision Centers will help provide lasting relief and long-term results.

Problems in the eye can cause a lot of irritating symptoms and make it difficult to see clearly. Using state-of-the-art techniques and technology, our team at Eye Health Vision Centers can diagnose and treat your eye condition for long-term relief. If you have the symptoms of an eye infection or complication, contact one of our greater South Coast-area facilities to schedule an appointment for an exam.