What are eye infections?

Eye infections can happen in children or adults of any age. Some examples are:

• conjunctivitis (known as pink eye, because the white of your eye turns pink)
• blepharitis (inflammation of your eye lid that can become infected)
• stye (infection of an eyelash follicle)
• trachoma (infection by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis)
• infectious keratitis (infection of your cornea)

Red and sore eyes can also be caused by:

• an allergy
• contact with something in the environment
• contact with a chemical

Auto-immune conditions like Sjögren's disease or other eye conditions like glaucoma can also cause red eyes.

What symptoms are related to eye infections?

Eye infections can make your eyes become:

• red
• puffy
• watery
• sore
• dry
• Itchy
• sticky

You can also have:

• blurry vision
• sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• pus in your eyes

What causes eye infections?

Eye infections can be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria.

Most eye infections are caused by viruses. This can happen if you have direct contact with someone who has a viral infection. It can also happen if you touch an object that has a virus on it and then touch your eye.

A bacterial infection is also spread by direct contact with someone with a bacterial respiratory tract (chest) infection. You can also get it from dirty contact lenses.

Fungal eye infections are less common but can happen if you touch your eyes with dirty hands or use dirty contact lenses.

How are eye infections diagnosed?

Your doctor or optometrist will check your eyes and ask about your symptoms. They will also ask about any eye injuries and your past medical history.

An optometrist is a healthcare professional who can test, diagnose and correct your vision problems.

Your doctor may take a swab from your eye to find out the cause of the eye infection.

When should I see a doctor or optometrist?

You should see your doctor or an optometrist if your symptoms don't start to improve after a few days.

When to seek urgent care

Some eye infections can be serious. If you have any loss of vision (ability to see), or become very sensitive to light, you should seek medical help immediately.

How are eye infections treated?

The treatment for your eye infection will depend on what caused it. Most viral eye infections get better on their own.

Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to suggest the best treatment for you.

Self-care for eye infections

If you have an eye infection, do not use products that irritate your eyes, like eye make-up.

Lubricant eye drops (artificial tears) may help with symptoms. You can buy these over-the-counter without a prescription.

Eye infections can be contagious (easily spread between people), so wash your hands after touching your eyes.

Medicines for eye infections

Bacterial eye infections can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Some infections may need treatment with oral antibiotics (tablets).

Your doctor will need to give you a prescription for most antibiotics. Some antibiotic eyedrops are available from your pharmacist.

Can eye infections be prevented?

It's a good idea to wash your hands with warm soapy water before and after touching your eyes. This will make it less likely for you to get an eye infection.

Avoid sharing things like towels, face washers and make-up as this may spread an infection.

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to avoid spreading viruses and bacteria to others.

Read more about eye care.

Resources and support

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has information about signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis.

Visit Better Health for easy-to-read information about trachoma.

Visit the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital for a step-by-step guide on how to administer eye drops.

Visit Optometry Australia to find an optometrist.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

Health Translations has resources in different languages about viral conjunctivitis and blepharitis.