If you have ever experienced pain, itching, swelling, or redness in your eyes, then you likely have had an eye infection. Infections in the eye can occur when harmful microorganisms invade part of the eyeball and the surrounding area. There are three main types of eye infections based on their cause and they include bacterial, viral, and fungal. Each are given different treatments. If you suspect that you may have an eye infection, do not self-diagnose and see your doctor immediately.

Here are the most prevalent eye infections and details about each:

1. Conjunctivitis
This type of ear infection is also known as pink eye. It is a contagious infection that affects mostly children in classrooms, daycares and other similar settings. Daycare workers and teachers are also prone to conjunctivitis because they are always in contact with young children. Bacterial and viral organisms are the main cause of pink eye. Infants can also contract the disease through birth if the mother has STDs.

2. Fungal keratitis
This eye infection is caused by a contact lens solution. The solution has since been taken out of the market. It was linked to the Fusarium fungi, which is normally present in organic matter. There are many other ways fungi can penetrate the eye, such as an injury.

3. Acanthamoeba keratitis
Those who wear contacts have the highest risk of coming into contact with parasites that can penetrate the eyes and cause serious eye infection known as acanthamoeba keratitis. That is why contact lenses must always be cleaned. Do not swim while wearing contacts. If you are relaxing in a hot tub or swimming pool, remove your lenses and disinfect them before wearing them again.

4. Trachoma
Trachoma is not common in the US, but it is a serious infection that is prevalent in other areas of the world, especially in developing nations. An organism called chlamydia trachomatis causes this infection. Flies are known to be the main carriers of the virus and as such, reinfection is common.

5. Endophthalmitis
An eye infection can grow into the interior of the eye, as with Endophthalmitis. This is very dangerous as it can cause blindness if there is no immediate antibiotic treatment. With any kind of eye infection that penetrates the eye, there is between 4 and 8 percent chance of it being endophthalmitis. Molds can also cause endophthalmitis.

6. Symptoms
Symptoms can occur in either of your eyes or both of them. The following are the common eye infection symptoms:

• Itchy eyes

• Discomfort or pain in the eye

• Light sensitive

• Burning sensation in the eye

• Tears

• Eye irritation

• Lumps under the base of the eyelashes of the eyelid

• The feeling that something is inside or on the eye

• The eyes become tender when touched

7. Treatment options for eye infections
All eye infections require some kind of treatment of medication. Most infections are not deadly, although some eye infections require immediate medical attention. If you have an eye infection and you feel that it is serious, you should visit an eye care specialist as soon as possible for advice on the type of eye infection you have and the treatment options available for you. Remember, eye infections can occur in any part of your eyes, from the cornea to the eyelids and optic nerve. Treatment options for viral eye infections can include:

• Mild steroid drops

• Artificial tears

• Antibiotic eye drops

• Drops that deter itching and redness

Care must be observed to prevent infecting other people such as not rubbing the eyes, throwing away contaminated contact lenses, and washing hands thoroughly.

Home remedies for eye treatment include:

• Using saline

• Tea bags

• Warm compress

• Cold compress