When it comes to your eye, it is important that you take proper care of it as your vision is critical. But despite your best precautions, various eye infections can occur, each requiring immediate medical attention and a visit to the doctor.

Infections usually occur when certain pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, etc, infect your eye. These pathogens can invade your cornea, the surrounding tissue and as a result, you can develop various types of infections. There are different types of eye infections and the early symptoms for most of them include a sore eye and an itching sensation.

Pink eye/conjunctivitis
This eye infection is extremely contagious and is often caused either by bacteria or virus. There are various types of pathogens that can cause you to experience the dreaded pink eye. These often result in you developing soreness and an itchy sensation in either one or both the eyes. As the infection progresses, your eye starts to discharge a milky fluid as well; it is important that you seek immediate medical treatment.

Fungal keratitis
This infection is similar to pink eye and has similar symptoms. This condition is mostly caused by a fungus, specifically, the Fusarium fungi. It is essential that you do get the same checked by your doctor the moment you start experiencing some of the early symptoms.

Acanthamoeba keratitis
As hard as it may be to believe, but contact lens users are more prone to this infection than the others. If you use contact lens, it is important that you maintain good hygiene at all times and clean the lens, either before or after usage. You may also want to avoid swimming while wearing your contacts.

Trachoma
This is a serious eye infection that is often spread by flies. This eye infection can impact your vision and even cause you to go blind, if not treated at the right time. It first affects the inner lid and eventually, your whole eyelid. If you do not seek treatment in time, the chances of you losing your sight permanently increases. This disease is more common in developing countries.

These are some of the common eye infections that you are bound to come across, especially pink eye where outbreaks often occur seasonally. It is important that you take good care of your eyes at all times, and make sure that you visit your doctor the moment you start to experience any of the symptoms.

Your infection could just require a few antibiotics and some may even require regular visits to the doctor but most of these infections should clear up eventually. Do note that if you have an eye infection in one eye, it is vital that you do not touch that eye, as that can cause the other eye to get infected too.