Eye Infection Treatment Questions and Answers

The best antibiotic for an eye infection depends on the particular kind of eye infection you have contracted! For example, there is no right antibiotic for a viral eye infection because they are ineffective for such infections. Antibiotics are typically only prescribed for bacterial infections. For bacterial eye infections, antibiotic eye drops are often prescribed. When you come to Reddy Urgent Care for bacterial eye infection treatment, our board-certified physicians will provide you with the best antibiotic possible, given your medical history, allergies you have, and any medications you are taking, to fight off the infection as safely, quickly, and thoroughly as possible!

While most eye infections last anywhere from a few days to two weeks, some can last for months at a time. Infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), orbital cellulitis, or endophthalmitis typically last for seven to 14 days with proper treatment. For the latter two infections, they can lead to severe complications if left untreated, such as meningitis or blindness, which would prolong the infection’s effects. Other infections like blepharitis or posterior uveitis can become chronic and last for several months, especially if caused by an underlying condition.

Despite the wide range of severity with eye infections, from mild to potentially life-threatening, the symptoms are relatively uniform across that range. As such, it is important to seek medical attention for any eye infection you experience. If you have an eye infection, your eye will likely be affected in the following ways:

• Green, yellow, or clear discharge (thick if bacterial, watery if viral), causing eyelashes and lids to crust over or stick together, especially in the morning
• Pink or reddish color in the whites of your eyes
• Swollen eyelids, that are sometimes red or purple in color

While rare, severe cases of orbital cellulitis or endophthalmitis can spread to the brain, causing meningitis, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. However, the infection must first spread from the cornea to the back portion of the eye for this to occur. Orbital cellulitis occurs when the soft tissues and fat that hold the eye in its socket become infected and is most commonly caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria. With regard to endophthalmitis, the interior of the eye becomes inflamed, commonly as a result of eye surgery or an infected eye laceration or wound. While it is important to take eye infections seriously in case they progress into conditions with severe complications, it is quite rare for any eye infection to spread to the brain.

If you live near Paramount, California, and seek expert eye infection treatment, our board-certified physicians at Reddy Urgent Care have all of the expertise required to provide that for you! For a walk-in appointment, we invite you to come to 8311 Alondra Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723, during the hours of 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Monday through Friday and from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM every Saturday and Sunday.