Treating Eye Infections

Urgent Care Can Help Treat Eye Infections

Most people suspect something may be wrong with their eyes if they experience pain or swelling and notice their eyes are red. Eye infections, such as pink eye and styes, are quite common, and while they can be uncomfortable, they’re usually treatable and have quick recovery times. 

If you suspect an eye infection, visit Bayside Urgent Care Center for evaluation.

How to Recognize Eye Infections

While the symptoms of an eye infection can vary depending on the cause, the following are the most common:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Light sensitivity
• Discharge from the eye
• Burning
• Itching
• A gritty feeling in the eye
• Excessive tearing
• Bump or pimple on the lid

Note that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and wear contact lenses, we recommend removing the lenses and wearing glasses instead until you are examined. Contact lenses could cause further eye irritation.

What Causes Eye Infections?

There are many causes of eye infections. The most common reasons are:

• Stye: Staphylococcus bacteria can get into your eyelash follicle and cause an infection. This results in a painful lump along the edge of your eyelid called a stye.
• Pink eye: Also called conjunctivitis, pink eye is the swelling of the thin, clear lining inside the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. Different viruses can cause viral conjunctivitis, and pink eye can also be caused by bacteria that come in contact with your eye. Pink eyes are most common in children.
• Uveitis: This is an infection of the middle layer of the eye underneath the white part of the eye. Infections, tumors, or injuries can cause swelling in this part of the eye.

How are Eye Infections Treated?

In most cases, eye infections are easy to treat. When you come in for treatment, you will first be given a physical examination. To determine the cause of the infection, your medical professional may perform some tests. 

If it is determined that the eye infection is bacterial, you will likely be given antibiotic eye drops or ointment. If the infection is determined to be caused by a fungus, then antifungal drops will be prescribed. For eye infections caused by a virus, you’ll need to wait for the virus to run its course. In these cases, an artificial tear solution or warm and cool compresses can help relieve some of the symptoms.

What To Bring When You Visit

To help us treat you most effectively, please be prepared to tell us about any medications you take (including vitamins and supplements), past illnesses and surgeries, and your primary care doctor’s phone number and address so we can transfer records, if necessary.

Does Bayside Urgent Care Accept Insurance?

Yes. We accept Medicare and most major insurance carriers. If you don’t have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, our services are reasonably priced and less expensive than an ER visit. 

Come to Bayside Urgent Care Center for Eye Infections

Our Center is located in Clearwater, Florida, conveniently situated to Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, and Indian Rocks Beach. If you are experiencing an injury, visit our office or call.

*Urgent care is not a substitute for emergency care. Always head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you experience very serious or life-threatening problems. Read What is Urgent Care for more information.