Bacterial eye infections: quick, practical guide

Got red, sticky, or painful eyes? Bacterial eye infections are common and usually treatable, but they can be confusing. This page explains what causes them, how to spot the difference from other eye problems, simple steps you can take at home, and when you must see a doctor. Read on for clear, usable advice.

What causes bacterial eye infections and how they show up

Many kinds of bacteria can infect the eye. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species are common for conjunctivitis. Haemophilus can affect kids, and Pseudomonas is often tied to contact lens use. The usual signs are: red eye, thick yellow or green discharge, eyelids stuck together after sleep, pain or gritty feeling, and blurred vision if the cornea is involved. If only watery discharge and sneezing are present, allergies or viral infections might be the cause instead.

Contact lens wearers need to be extra careful. Lenses can trap bacteria against the cornea and cause serious infections. If you wear lenses and get severe pain, light sensitivity, or vision loss, consider it urgent.

How bacterial eye infections are treated and what to do now

If you suspect a bacterial infection, see a healthcare provider for an eye exam. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Common options include broad‑spectrum topical antibiotics; severe or deep infections sometimes need oral antibiotics. Don’t use steroid drops unless a specialist prescribes them — they can make some infections worse.

While waiting for care or between doses, try these practical steps: wash your hands before touching your eyes, use a clean cloth or tissue for each eye, remove contact lenses and switch to glasses, and apply a warm compress for comfort and to soften crusts. Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or makeup. Throw away old eye makeup and clean contact cases with fresh solution.

Most mild bacterial conjunctivitis improves within a few days of starting antibiotics and clears fully in one to two weeks. If symptoms worsen or vision changes, get checked right away. Corneal infections (keratitis) can cause rapid vision loss and need urgent treatment.

Prevention is straightforward: good hand hygiene, proper contact lens care, replace lens cases regularly, and skip eye makeup until the infection is cleared. If someone close to you has bacterial conjunctivitis, avoid close face contact and wash surfaces like doorknobs and towels.

When to seek emergency care: sudden vision loss, intense eye pain, severe light sensitivity, eye injury with debris, or signs of spreading infection like fever or swelling around the eye. Those need prompt medical attention to protect vision.

If you want more details on specific antibiotics, contact lens safety, or home care tips, explore our articles on related meds and eye health. Keeping eyes clean and acting fast usually keeps things simple and safe.