How long eye infections last

For example, conjunctivitis caused by herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus. Antibiotics will not improve viral conjunctivitis; these drugs are not effective against viruses. Mild bacterial conjunctivitis may get better without antibiotic treatment and without causing any complications. It often improves in 2 to 5 days without treatment but can take 2 weeks to go away completely. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, usually given topically as eye drops or ointment, for bacterial conjunctivitis.

Antibiotics may help shorten the length of infection, reduce complications, and reduce the spread to others. Antibiotics may be necessary in the following cases:. Allergy medications and certain eye drops topical antihistamine and vasoconstrictors , including some prescription eye drops, can also provide relief from allergic conjunctivitis.

Blepharitis may be caused by bacteria. A sty also called a hordeolum is a pimple-like bump that develops from an oil gland on the outer edges of your eyelids. These glands can get clogged with dead skin, oils, and other matter and allow bacteria to overgrow in your gland. The resulting infection causes a sty. See your doctor if the pain or swelling gets worse, even with treatment.

A sty should disappear in about 7 to 10 days. Uveitis happens when your uvea gets inflamed from infection. The uvea is the central layer of your eyeball that transports blood to your retina — the part of your eye that transmits images to your brain. Uveitis often results from immune system conditions, viral infections, or eye injuries.

Uveitis usually starts to improve after a few days of treatment. Eyelid cellulitis , or periorbital cellulitis, happens when eye tissues get infected. Cellulitis symptoms include eyelid redness and swelling as well as eye skin swelling. Ocular herpes happens when your eye is infected by the herpes simplex virus HSV Symptoms tend to infect one eye at a time, and include:.

But seek emergency medical attention if you have severe symptoms. In this article, learn about some common causes of red eyes, including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dry eye syndrome, and subconjunctival…. How long are you contagious with pink eye? Written by Jenna Fletcher on January 13, Types of pink eye. Share on Pinterest Grass, dust, and tree pollen may cause allergic pink eye.

Image credit: P33tr, Seven signs a person is contagious. Share on Pinterest Swelling around the eye may be a sign that a person is still contagious. How to get rid of pink eye. Share on Pinterest Washing hands before inserting or removing contacts is recommended.

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Satija recommends using artificial tears. To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter. An Eye Doctor Explains. By Claire Gillespie November 26,