Question 1

my 3 year old son keeps getting recurring eye infections that look like a sty, it forms a big puss filled head.this is now the 4th one within 2 months, they clear up and then another one starts. do we need an antibiotic ointment to treat it?

Accepted Answer

: This can be difficult. Simple sty's will often resolve with warm compresses. When they are recurrent like this, the kid is often harboring an invasive staph germ in their nasal passages or skin that may require treatment. Bathing in water with a cup of bleach added (1cup/20 gallons) can reduce staph on the skin.  I would confer with the kids doc about treatment options.

Question 2

how can i treat eye infections?

Accepted Answer

DON"T: You need to see an ophthalmologist. Some eye infections can cause irreversible blindness if left untreated or even be an indication of more serious problems not only in the eyes but in the body.

Question 3

how long do eye infections last?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on the nature of the infection. A mild viral conjunctivitis will be self-limited and resolve in about a week; a serious bacterial infection may never go away by itself, causing irreparable damage.  If you are concerned, you should see a doctor.

Question 4

what do eye infections look like?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Most eye infections are on the surface causing redness, swelling,  irritation, discharge and some degree of visual blur.
If the infection is internal, the pain can be very intense, the vision markedly diminished and substantial lowering of the vision.  An ophthalmologist should be consulted if you have any of these issues.

Question 5

what are symptoms of eye infections?

Accepted Answer

Redness: Infections cause inflammation. When the eye is inflammed you can expect redness and tearing. Depending on the type on infection you can also experience pain, discharge, decreased vision and sensitivity to light. You should see an eye doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Question 6

why do i always contract eye infections?

Accepted Answer

Not sure: But frequent hand washing is key to lessen incidence of eye infection.

Question 7

might dogs spread eye infections to humans?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Most organisms are species specific and so a dog with an infected eye will not have a species that will transfer to humans.  There are a few cross overs like rabies that can affect any mammal.

Question 8

how common are eye infections from contacts?

Accepted Answer

Uncommon: Contacts when worn according to directions rarely cause infection.  The major mistake made is to not remove the lenses when the eye becomes red to any degree.  When there is an infection with a contact, the eyes get very red and light sensitive and may also lose (temporarily) vision depending upon the location and degree of infection.  See your ophthalmologist for treatment.

Question 9

what otc medications are  good for eye infections?

Accepted Answer

None will work: If it is truely infected with bacteria otc meds will not work. If it is viral it will clear up without meds although some eye drops may have a comfort effect.

Question 10

can eye infections clear themselves up without meds?

Accepted Answer

Yep!: Pink eye, in fact, always does, as its caused by the cold virus. Infections of the lids, though, require antibiotics/steroids.

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Doctor answers about:

Recurring eye infections

A member asked:

My 3 year old son keeps getting recurring eye infections that look like a sty, it forms a big puss filled head.this is now the 4th one within 2 months, they clear up and then another one starts. do we need an antibiotic ointment to treat it?

A member asked:

How can i treat eye infections?

A member asked:

How long do eye infections last?

A member asked:

What do eye infections look like?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of eye infections?

A member asked:

Why do i always contract eye infections?

A member asked:

Might dogs spread eye infections to humans?

A member asked:

How common are eye infections from contacts?

A member asked:

What otc medications are good for eye infections?

A member asked:

Can eye infections clear themselves up without meds?

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