Overview

What Are Eye Infections?

Virtually all parts of your eyes, from the eyelids to the retina, can be subject to infection by bacteria, viruses or fungi. All types of eye infections require treatment from your physician as soon as possible to avoid damage to your vision or transmission to other people.

Common types of eye infections include:

• Blepharitis (infection of the glands at the base of the eye lashes)
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Corneal ulcer
• Dacryocystitis (infection of the lacrimal sac, or inner edge of the lower eyelid)
• Herpes simplex
• Herpes zoster (shingles)
• Keratitis
• Periorbital cellulitis (bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissue)
• Stye
• Trachoma