Common eye infections: viral, bacterial, fungal. Treatment of viral eye infections: features of symptoms

Date: 04/01/2016

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• Main types of conjunctivitis and their symptoms
• Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and pharyngoconjunctival fever
• Other infectious eye diseases

An eye infection whose symptoms rarely extend to a specific area age category people, can seriously harm the visual organ. You should be aware that eye infection symptoms include eye irritation, swollen eyelids and more severe symptoms.

Eye infection includes symptoms indicative of such classes of diseases as:

• conjunctivitis;
• blepharitis;
• keratitis

Moreover, the main part infectious diseases eyes are conjunctivitis (more than 60%), blepharitis is less common (about 25% of the world population), keratitis occurs in no more than 5% of the world population. These classes include a variety of ocular infectious diseases.

Main types of conjunctivitis and their symptoms

This infection, depending on the speed of development of symptoms, can occur in 3 types: chronic, acute and fulminant.

Fulminant is dangerous because it leads to damage to the cornea and loss of vision. It becomes a cause of emergency medical condition. If you contact an ophthalmologist in a timely manner, the patient is prescribed treatment antimicrobials(they may be ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and others).

This disease occurs in people of any age due to a lack of antibacterial properties of the tear fluid, and about 30% of newborns become infected when passing birth canal a woman in labor suffering from chlamydia or gonococcal infection(causes complete blindness). The course of the disease is acute with symptoms of conjunctiva, burning, pain, discomfort, deformation of the eyelid, swelling around the eye, inability to fully open the eye due to stickiness after sleep; purulent discharge occurs, and minor ulcers may appear at the edges of the eyelids.

The disease spreads to both eyes. First one becomes infected, then the other. The reason for this is direct contact with infected biomaterial, but sometimes it can occur in the form of an independent disease with sore throat, rhinitis or tonsillitis.

Acute conjunctivitis can occur due to hypothermia, overheating, exposure to physical and chemical harmful factors. This disease manifests itself in the form of a feeling of sand in the eyes, burning, redness, mucopurulent discharge, difficulty opening the eyes after sleep. The mucous membrane becomes loosened, the eyeball becomes red, the pattern of the meibolian glands becomes poorly visible or completely invisible. Therapy for this disease includes washing the eyeball with solutions specially prescribed by the ophthalmologist.

Acute viral conjunctivitis can be complicated by adenoviral conjunctivitis, which includes keratoconjunctivitis and pharyngoconjunctival fever.

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Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and pharyngoconjunctival fever

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is a complication of acute viral conjunctivitis in the form of corneal lesions. The onset of infection lasts about a week, accompanied by the following symptoms: headache, general weakness, insomnia, redness of the mucous membrane, the presence of thin films in the conjunctiva, sometimes lacrimation and pinpoint opacities. More often, infection occurs through contact with an infected object, less often - by airborne droplets, that is, it is contagious. Consequence past illness is poor vision. Acute epidemic conjunctivitis is characterized by profuse hemorrhages of the eye. Having experienced epidemic keratoconjunctivitis confers immunity to the disease for the rest of the patient's life.

Adenoviral conjunctivitis. Its development occurs most often in one eye. The main pathogens are adenoviruses. This disease causes significant lacrimation, high photosensitivity, redness eyeballs, swelling of the eyelids, feeling of pain, burning and discomfort. Transmitted by airborne droplets. May occur due to contact with dirty hands.

Other factors of the disease:

• ARVI;
• mechanical damage to the eye;
• surgical intervention to eliminate corneal diseases;
• stress;
• usage contact lenses.
  Pharyngoconjunctival fever is not as severe as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis; the cornea does not become cloudy.

The incubation period is 5-6 days. Infection is carried out mainly by airborne droplets, and most often it affects children's groups. The disease manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• chills;
• elevated temperature;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• intoxication;
• catarrhal inflammatory processes of the nasal mucosa;
• cough, initially dry, then wet;
• membranous conjunctivitis that occurred on the 5-6th day of infection.

Pharyngoconjunctival disease is dangerous due to the development of adenoviral pneumonia with severe intoxication, cyanosis and shortness of breath. Some outbreaks among patients childhood caused death.

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Other infectious eye diseases

Some other infectious eye diseases include:

1. Acute bacterial conjunctivitis. It is developing rapidly. It occurs with hyperemia, infiltration, discomfort, pain and burning sensations, and strong pus-like discharge. Sometimes hemorrhage occurs, the formation of papillae on the mucous membrane. Promotes the development of infectious diseases of the cornea in the form of bacterial keratitis or corneal purulent ulcer. The disease is benign, correct therapy with erythromycin, tetracycline and other ointments and medicines prescribed by an ophthalmologist, lasts up to 5 days.
2. Trachoma. May appear in acute form, is a chronic disease. With this disease, infiltration of the conjunctiva of the eye occurs, follicles are formed, then in their place there are scars, tissues swell, the cornea is affected, the eyelids partially curl, and the location of the eyelashes changes. Symptoms of an advanced form of the disease: blurred vision, clouding of the cornea, and the appearance of conjunctival scars. At this disease antimicrobial drugs are prescribed.
3. Inclusion conjunctivitis occurs in both newborns and adults. Unlike trachoma, there are no scars, the other symptoms are identical. Mucus discharge may be viscous. Newborns become ill with this disease when passing through the genitals of a woman in labor. Doctors prescribe antimicrobial drugs.
4. Bacterial keratitis. Occurs due to the impact of bacteria on the cornea. Swelling appears sharp pain eyes, suppuration, superficial or deep ulcers, corneal opacities, yellowish and rusty infiltrates appear, vision decreases. This disease is characterized by rapid progress.
5. Marginal (superficial) keratitis. Small gray infiltrates appear and can cause a crescent-shaped ulcer. Some scarring occurs, the ulcer provokes a serious deterioration in vision. For complex treatment etiotropic drugs are prescribed.
6. A corneal ulcer occurs when diplococcus, streptococcus, or staphylococcus enters the affected area of ​​the cornea after marginal keratitis. The eye becomes more irritated, the eyelids become swollen, and the cornea around the eye becomes more swollen. The iris is affected, the pattern is smoothed out, the pupil narrows, and a thorn appears. Severe course the disease becomes the cause of persistent intense clouding, the eye tissue is completely destroyed, the apple completely atrophies. Corneal ulcer with gonoblenorrhea - white, causes corneal staphyloma.
7. Blepharitis. Group eye diseases with chronic inflammation of the eyelids. Gradually affects the conjunctiva and cornea. Reasons: weakening of the body, lack of vitamins, non-compliance with hygiene standards, myopia, hypermetropia, chronic conjunctivitis, constant irritation external factors. Symptoms: itching, heaviness of the eyelids, the appearance of scales on them, swelling and redness, distortion of eyelash growth.

Description:

The most common infectious eye diseases are viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. is a disease in which the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that covers the surface of the eye) becomes inflamed. inner side century).
Often, conjunctivitis caused by viruses or bacteria affects both eyes, but the disease can develop in one eye.
Bacterial conjunctivitis (i.e. conjunctivitis caused by pathogenic bacteria) can be effectively treated with local application antibiotics.

Causes of infectious eye diseases:

The most common causative agents of bacterial conjunctivitis are staphylococci, streptococci and pneumococci. In addition, more often in children, the disease can be caused by Haemophilus influenzae. The conjunctiva can become infected if personal hygiene rules are violated, as well as if foreign body(motes) or if available infectious process in the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses nose

Symptoms of infectious eye diseases:

Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis are: discharge from the conjunctival cavity, burning and itching in the eye, foreign body sensation and redness of the eye.

Diagnostics:

The final diagnosis is made by a specialist. When examining the eye, conjunctival hyperemia (redness of the eye in to a greater extent closer to the conjunctival fornix than to the cornea) and the presence of purulent discharge from the conjunctival cavity. To identify the pathogen, the discharge is inoculated on a nutrient medium and bacteriologically examined. Differential diagnosis should be carried out with viral and allergic conjunctivitis (see Allergy). In particular, when allergic conjunctivitis discharge from the conjunctival cavity is scanty, viscous and transparent, and symptoms may persist significantly longer.

Treatment of infectious eye diseases:

For treatment the following is prescribed:

Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment depending on the diagnosis and other factors. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye caused by bacteria can usually be effectively cured by the use of antibacterial eye drops and ointments. The duration of treatment is 3-5-7 days, sometimes (for example, with chronic bacterial conjunctivitis) longer. Once the symptoms of conjunctivitis resolve, a follow-up visit to the doctor is usually not required. However, if the inflammation does not resolve despite the use of medicines, or a relapse of the disease develops, the patient should consult an ophthalmologist. Quite often, after conjunctivitis, a symptom complex characteristic of dry eye syndrome develops, requiring the use of artificial tears for speedy recovery visual comfort.

We live in a world filled with many microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi. Some of them are useful for humans, some cause infectious diseases. In particular, in certain situations, infections affect the organs of vision and provoke infectious eye diseases in people. Most often in the practice of an ophthalmologist we encounter conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, and dacryocystitis.

Let's look at what eye diseases there are and their symptoms:

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the sclera and inner part century. It often accompanies acute respiratory viral infections and is manifested by profuse lacrimation, redness, and a feeling of “sand” in the eyes.

If the cause of conjunctivitis is bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci), then the main symptoms will be: swelling of the conjunctiva and purulent discharge, which lead to eye sticking, especially in the morning. Typically one eye is affected, however inflammatory process may switch to another, especially if hygiene is insufficient. Eye diseases children are also not uncommon. Often conjunctivitis occurs even in newborns, so maximum attention should be paid to eye hygiene of babies.

Treatment bacterial infection carried out by using ointments and drops containing antibacterial drugs (Erythromycin, Tetracycline). In case of viral conjunctivitis, antiviral medications are used. In addition, it is necessary to carry out measures to general strengthening immune system.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edges of the eyelids, characterized by chronic course, difficult to treat. Typically affects both eyes. The main causative agent of blepharitis is Staphylococcus aureus.

Highlight:

Anterior marginal blepharitis, when only the ciliary edge of the eyelid is affected;

Posterior marginal, when the meibomian glands become inflamed, which can subsequently lead to corneal damage.

Blepharitis is treated with ointments containing erythromycin and gentamicin. Alternative drugs are fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin). Therapy is continued for a month after the signs of the inflammatory process disappear.

Keratitis– infectious lesion of the cornea of ​​the eye. It manifests itself as photophobia, lacrimation, decreased transparency of the cornea and then its clouding and the formation of ulcers. Keratitis is dangerous due to the occurrence of cataracts, decreased visual acuity.

As a rule, it is caused by the herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, and staphylococcus. Fungal and amoebic keratitis may also occur. Possible in people wearing contact lenses.

Highlight:

Superficial keratitis – when is it affected? upper layer cornea. Occurs as a complication of conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis.
Deep – with damage inner layers, leading to the formation of scars on the cornea.

Prevention of keratitis comes down to timely treatment other infectious diseases of the eye that may be complicated by damage to the cornea (conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, blepharitis).

Treatment consists of using ointments, drops containing antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin) or antiviral drugs(Acyclovir). In addition, medications that dilate the pupil are prescribed to prevent its occlusion. During the treatment period, you must stop wearing contact lenses.

Dacryocystitis– infectious lesion of the lacrimal sac. The causative agents, as a rule, will be staphylococci, and in children - hemophilus influenzae. There are acute and chronic form dacryocystitis.

Dacryocystitis is treated antibacterial drugs(Cefuroxime), sometimes surgery is necessary to restore patency tear duct, in difficult cases - removal of the lacrimal sac.

Endophthalmitis– inflammatory process with seizure vitreous eyes. Often occurs after cataract surgery or trauma. The main pathogens are staphylococci, pseudomonas, enterobacteria, Haemophilus influenzae, and fungi.

Treatment is also carried out with antibiotics (Amikacin, Ceftazidime, Vancomycin) and glucocorticosteroid hormones. In case of fungal infection antifungal agents(Amphotericin B or Fluconazole). The duration of the course is 2 months.

Thus, if there is a suspicion of infectious eye diseases in children or adults, they should definitely see an ophthalmologist in order to prevent complications that threaten vision loss. Prevention is easier than cure!

Among the many ophthalmological diseases Infectious lesions occupy a leading position. The infection can affect different parts of the eye and cause complications. At the moment there is a sufficient number effective ways treatment and prevention of eye infections.

Causes of eye infections

Infection in the eyes can be caused by many reasons:

• injury after impact;
• entry of a foreign body;
• surgical intervention;
• decreased immunity;
• allergies;
• contact with an infected person;
• disruption of the tear film;
• taking immunosuppressive drugs;
• wearing lenses without interruption;
• constant eye strain;
• dry air;
• basic lack of hygiene.

Types of infectious eye diseases

Depending on the location of the process, eye infection can affect the conjunctiva, eyelid, cornea, or orbit. Infections of the conjunctiva are called conjunctivitis. Infection of the eyelid most often manifests itself in the form of stye, blepharitis or dacryoadenitis. Infectious lesions of the cornea are called keratitis. Each group of diseases has its own characteristics.

Conjunctivitis

Damage to the conjunctiva may also affect the eyelids or cornea. The diseases are called blepharoconjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis, respectively.

Adenovirus infection is transmitted by airborne droplets. Children's groups are susceptible to epidemic outbreaks.

There is also acute conjunctivitis. The cause may be staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus and a number of other bacteria.

Viral conjunctivitis usually occurs against the background of infections of the upper respiratory tract. Bacterial disease occurs due to pyogenic bacteria that produce pus. In both cases, the infection is contagious.

Barley

Swelling occurs at the site of the eyelid lesion, causing painful sensations. On day 3-4, a head forms on the swollen area. yellowish color– there is pus inside.

Styes may be internal. This infection is called meibomitis because the meibomian glands become inflamed. They are located on the edges of the eyelids.

In most cases, barley occurs against a background of reduced immunity. This eye infection is often a consequence of a cold.

This visual video will help in diagnosing barley at home:

Blepharitis

According to the localization of the process, blepharitis is anterior marginal, posterior marginal and angular. In the first case, the infection affects the ciliary edge of the eyelid, in the second - the meibomian glands, in the third - the corners of the eyes.

By external signs and the causes of blepharitis are:

• ulcerative;
• scaly;
• meibomian;
• Rosacea.

When treating blepharitis, therapy should be continued for another month after the symptoms disappear. An important step is to improve immunity.

Dacryoadenitis

Infection - viral or bacterial - can cause acute dacryoadenitis. Causes chronic disease are usually non-infectious in nature.

Keratitis

Keratitis can be superficial or deep. In the first case, the cornea is affected only from the outside, and in the second, the internal layers are also affected.

Symptoms of eye infections, diagnostic methods

• redness of the whites of the eyes;
• lacrimation;
• white or yellow-green eye discharge;
• crusts on the eyelids after sleep (often stick together);
• swollen eyelids;
• pain, itching and other unpleasant sensations.

• severe redness;
• large swelling;
• severe lacrimation;
• pupils of different sizes;
• blurred vision, partial loss of vision;
• increased sensitivity to bright light.

• checking visual acuity using the Sivtsev table;
• assessment of the condition of the cornea (using a slit lamp);
• external examination of the eyeball;
• fundus examination (ophthalmoscope).

• microscopic diagnostics;
• histological and histochemical analysis: a corneal biopsy is taken for study;
• molecular research;
• immunofluorescence reaction, the most quick diagnostics viral infections;
• cultural method consists of sowing on nutrient media and is effective against bacterial infections;
• mycological examination: refers to the previous method and is used for fungal infections;
• disk diffusion method: the most popular for identifying the causative bacteria;
• polymerase chain reaction.

Treatment of eye infections

Drug treatment

As the disease develops, it is worth moving on to more serious means. In the form of drops, you can resort to Tobrex, Tsipromed, Dancil, Signicef, Fucithalmic, Sulfacyl-sodium, Maxitrol. In the form of ointments, Floxal, Erythromycin, and Tetracycline are effective.

It is important to remember that each drug has a specific active substance or a group of such components. Self-prescription of medication best case scenario will not bring results, and at worst, will aggravate the situation.

At fungal infections also resort to drops and ointments. The first group of drugs includes Amphotericin, Natamycin, Akromycin, Okomistin, Fluconazole. TO effective ointments include Miconazole, Levorin, Nystatin.

Together with eye drops or ointment you should take vitamins to strengthen the immune system - zinc in combination with ascorbic acid. For these purposes, Interferon is often prescribed.

Traditional medicine

One of the most famous remedies is strong tea leaves. It is enough to brew black tea strongly, strain and make lotions. It is best to use cotton pads or gauze pads - separately for each eye and each time.

A decoction is effective for washing oak bark. You need to boil 2 tablespoons of raw material in half a liter of water for half an hour, then strain. You can also make compresses with this decoction. Treatment takes no more than 5 days.

For any problems with the eyes, it is necessary to focus on carrots and blueberries in the diet. These products not only improve vision, but also strengthen capillaries. The berries are seasonal, so they can be used dried. You need to fill them overnight cold water, and in the morning eat on an empty stomach.

Another effective product- celery seeds. They need to be crushed and soaked for 4 hours in cold water. The strained product can be used as drops.

Preventing eye infections

It is important to protect your eyes from exposure external environment – negative factors make them vulnerable. Do not neglect glasses or protective equipment for certain jobs.

When wearing contact lenses, you must strictly follow all the rules for wearing and handling them, and take breaks from use. At the first symptoms eye infection Lenses should be replaced with glasses.

An important point in the prevention of eye diseases is. When it is weakened, the entire body is more susceptible to infections. Necessary proper nutrition, moderate exercise, walks fresh air, taking vitamins (in season with food).