Ocular Infection

Introduction to ocular infections

An ocular infection (eye infection) happens when bacteria, viruses or other microbes in your everyday environment attack part of your eye.¹ If you have an eye infection, you can spread it to other people.¹

Find out more about eye infection symptoms here, and learn about the most effective treatments here.

Which parts of your eye can become infected?

Let’s look at the different parts of the eye where an infection can happen.

Cornea:

The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye.²

Your cornea provides a barrier against dirt and germs. It also plays an important role in your vision.²

Common infections in the cornea include:

• Keratitis: Inflammation (swelling) of the cornea caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.²

• Herpetic eye disease: A painful condition that happens when a herpes virus affects your eye.²

Read more about infections in the cornea here.

Eyelids:

Your eyelids are the folds of skin above and below your eye.³ They close over the eye to protect it.³

Common infections in the eyelids include:

• Blepharitis: Inflammation (swelling) and crusty or flaky skin⁴ caused by bacteria or oil at the base of the eyelashes⁴
• Stye: A small, red and painful lump under the eyelid or at the base of the eyelashes⁵ usually caused by a bacterial infection⁵
• Chalazion: A swollen bump on the eyelid⁵ caused when the eye’s oil gland becomes clogged⁵

Read more about eyelid infections here.

Uvea:

The uvea is the layer underneath the white part of your eye (the sclera).⁶ It is made up of three parts; the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid.⁶

• Uveitis: An infection that causes the uvea to become red and swollen.⁷ Different types of uveitis affect different parts of the uvea.⁷

Read more about the different types of uveitis here.

Conjunctiva:

The conjunctiva is the thin layer of clear tissue that forms a lining over the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids.^8,9 This lining helps to protect and lubricate the eye by producing mucous and tears.¹⁰

• Conjunctivitis (sometimes called ‘pink eye’)¹¹ is an infection in the conjunctiva, usually caused by bacteria, viruses or allergic reactions.¹¹

Read more about the different types of conjunctivitis here.