How Health's video: How to Treat Eye Infection Naturally

Your eyes can become infected by a variety of different viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Each contaminant causes different afflictions, but eye infections typically show signs of irritation or pain, redness or inflammation, fluid discharge, and reduced visual capabilities. Contaminants may infect one or both eyes, and may lead to loss of vision or blindness. The most common eye infections are conjunctivitis, sty, and allergy-related infections. If you experience pain or reduced vision, see a doctor immediately. If your infection is mild, there are a number of home remedies that can reduce the symptoms of your eye infection. Understand what keratitis is. Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea in any part of the cornea and conjunctiva, in one or both eyes and may be caused by infection. Symptoms may be short lived, or they may be chronic. Symptoms typically include pain and redness, irritation, discharge or excessive tears, difficulty opening eyes, blurred or decreased visual abilities, and sensitivity to light. See a doctor immediately if you suspect you may have keratitis. Delays in the treatment of keratitis may lead to permanent blindness. There are several types of keratitis, each differentiated by its cause. Bacterial keratitis is typically caused by infection with Staphylococci, Haemophilus, Streptococci, or Pseudomonas bacteria. Bacterial infection frequently follows some type of surface damage to the cornea, and may cause ulcers to form at the site of infection. Viral keratitis can be caused by a number of viruses, including the common cold. It may also be caused by introduction of the herpes simplex virus, or by the herpes zoster virus, which causes the chickenpox and shingles. Fungal keratitis is frequently caused by Fusarium spores, which tend to grow in unclean contact lenses. People with compromised immune systems may contract keratitis from Candida, Aspergillus, or Nocardia fungal spores, though these are quite rare in otherwise healthy individuals. Chemical keratitis is caused by chemical exposure, either from over wear of contact lenses, splashing of chemicals or fumes, or submersion in irritating chemicals, such as swimming pools and hot tubs. Physical keratitis is caused by trauma to the eyes through a number of sources, including prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and to the light from welding torches. Onchocercal keratitis is caused by a parasitic amoeba that may afflict patients who wear contact lenses. This form of keratitis causes what's known as "river blindness". It is extensively seen in third world countries, but is quite rare in other parts of the world. Keratitis sicca and Filamentary keratitis are superficial inflammations caused by extremely dry eyes and irritation in the tear film.