Common Eye Infections
Many of us have had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a red, scratchy or irritated eye. These symptoms, along with others, are very common in most infections of the eyes. Dr. Lutz has extensive experience in treating all types of bacterial, viral, and allergic eye infections. Early and accurate detection and treatment is important for comfort in the affected eye and for a speedy recovery. It is important to visit Dr. Lutz when you have an eye infection because though eye infections often present in a similar way, they each require different and specific treatments that you can only receive at an eye doctor.
Conjunctivitis in Children
Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) is an inflammation of the tissue of the eye. This is common in children due to lack of hygiene and its contagious nature in school environments. The three main types are bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated very successfully with an eye drop that is specific to the type of bacteria in the eye. Viral conjunctivitis is usually linked to a cough or a cold and many times must run its course before improvement in noticed. Allergic conjunctivitis is often seasonal in nature and characterized by itchy eyes that can be treated with drops.
Styes in the Eyes
A stye is characterized by a painful bump on the eyelid. Many times a visible white bump can be seen, but often it is located deep in the eyelid tissue. Treatment with eye drops is unsuccessful in most cases due to the drop not reaching the area of infection. In these cases, treatment with an oral antibiotic is necessary along with proper eyelid hygiene and hot compresses. There are some types of bumps that are not sore and not very responsive to antibiotics. These bumps, called chalazions, must be surgically removed in most cases if not responsive to other treatments.