Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections need very different care
Not all eye infections are the same — and treating them as if they were can cause real harm. Bacterial infections generally respond to antibiotic drops. Viral infections do not — and applying antibiotics won't help (and may disrupt the natural course of recovery). Fungal infections are rare but serious, requiring antifungal medication. A thorough examination with a slit-lamp, combined with your symptom history, allows us to identify what type of infection you have and prescribe the appropriate treatment. If you're wearing contact lenses, you should remove them immediately at the first sign of infection and not reinsert them until cleared by your doctor.
Some patients are at higher risk for eye infections
While anyone can develop an eye infection, certain habits and circumstances make some people more vulnerable — and require extra caution.
Contact lens wearers
Contact lenses are the number one risk factor for bacterial keratitis — a serious corneal infection. Sleeping in lenses, wearing them longer than recommended, or using tap water for cleaning dramatically increases risk. If your eyes are red, painful, or producing discharge, stop wearing lenses and call us.
Those with eye injuries or foreign bodies
A scratch, abrasion, or foreign body on the corneal surface creates an entry point for bacteria and fungi. Even minor eye injuries should be evaluated to rule out infection — particularly if symptoms worsen rather than improve in the first 24 hours.
Children and those exposed to illness
Adenoviral conjunctivitis (pink eye) spreads rapidly in schools, daycares, and households. Children are especially susceptible. Proper hygiene — hand-washing and avoiding shared towels — is the most effective prevention.
Fast diagnosis and a treatment plan you can start the same day
Eye infections can progress quickly. We prioritize prompt evaluation and same-day prescriptions when appropriate.
Slit-Lamp Examination
We examine the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids in detail, looking for discharge type, corneal involvement, and signs of bacterial vs. viral vs. allergic cause — each has a distinct clinical appearance.
Accurate Diagnosis & Same-Day Prescription
Most bacterial infections can be treated the same day with targeted antibiotic drops. Viral infections are managed with supportive care. We will also advise on contagion precautions and when it is safe to return to work, school, or contact lens wear.
Follow-Up to Confirm Resolution
We recommend a follow-up visit to confirm the infection has fully cleared, especially for corneal infections. Untreated or undertreated keratitis can cause permanent corneal scarring — follow-through matters.
Common questions about eye infections
Have a question not answered here? Feel free to call or text our team.
Allergic eye reactions typically cause bilateral itching, watery discharge, and are often associated with nasal symptoms. Infections tend to produce more mucous or purulent discharge, often affect one eye first, and may be accompanied by pain or light sensitivity. An exam is the most reliable way to distinguish between them.
OTC lubricating drops can provide some comfort for minor irritation, but they do not treat infection. OTC antibiotic drops are not recommended for self-treatment — they can mask symptoms without resolving the infection, and some infections (viral, fungal) won't respond at all. Prescription treatment from an eye doctor is strongly preferred.
Most bacterial infections begin to improve within 24–48 hours of starting prescription antibiotic drops and fully resolve within 7–10 days. Viral infections typically run their course in 1–3 weeks. Fungal infections may take longer and require closer monitoring.
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious. Avoid touching your eyes, wash hands frequently, do not share towels or pillowcases, and stay home from work or school until discharge has stopped and symptoms are improving. Your doctor will advise on when you're likely no longer contagious.
Seek same-day evaluation if your eye infection is accompanied by significant pain, sensitivity to light, changes in vision, or if the infection involves a contact lens wearer with a red, painful eye. These can indicate corneal infection (keratitis), which requires urgent treatment to prevent vision loss.
Eye infections get better faster with the right treatment
Same-day appointments available. Call, text, or book online — we are here to help.