Eye Infection

If you develop symptoms of an eye infection, like redness, itching, or pain, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. At Viteledoc, a telehealth practice serving patients in California and Oregon, virtual urgent care provider Dustin Jacot, PA-C, provides same-day diagnosis and treatment of eye infections. A virtual visit can save you the hassle of sitting in a waiting room and speed up your body’s healing process. Book online or call Dustin today to receive treatment for an eye infection. 

What is an eye infection?

An eye infection occurs when a bacteria, virus, or another foreign object infiltrates your eye or the surrounding tissues, causing pain, inflammation, and vision problems. Many different microorganisms can infect the eye. Early intervention and treatment can reduce your risk of complications and preserve your vision.

What are the symptoms of an eye infection?

The symptoms of an eye infection include:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itchiness in one or both eyes
• Feeling like there’s something stuck in your eye
• Discharge from the eyes, like mucus
• Blurred vision
• Inflammation
• Pain
• Sensitivity to light

As the infection worsens, your eyes might also tear up or become watery.

When should I seek treatment for an eye infection?

Request a virtual consultation at ViteleDoc if you experience any of the symptoms above. Dustin’s virtual visits can offer a quick diagnosis and treatment in just a few minutes — whether you’re in the comfort of your home or traveling.

How is an eye infection diagnosed?

During your virtual consultation, Dustin first reviews your medical records. He also asks about your symptoms, including when the whites of your eyes first changed color, if it’s painful to blink, and if your symptoms are worse when exposed to sunlight.

Next, he asks you to point your smartphone or web camera at your eye. He might also ask you to upload pictures of your eyeball to the online patient portal. Dustin uses the video feed or your digital photos to examine your irises, corneas, and pupils. 

After determining the type of eye infection you have, Dustin makes treatment recommendations.

How is an eye infection treated?

Treatment of an eye infection depends on various factors, including the type of infection you have and the severity of your symptoms. If you wear contact lenses, transitioning to eyeglasses for a week or more may be enough to reduce the inflammation. If you have a bacterial infection, Dustin might prescribe antibiotic eye drops.

The goal is to prevent the infection from spreading and encourage your body’s natural healing process.

How can I reduce my risk of an eye infection?

To reduce your risk of an eye infection, Dustin recommends washing your hands regularly, cleaning your contact lenses, and wearing protective eyewear when working outside or using tools. 

Click the online booking feature or call ViteleDoc today to receive professional guidance for an eye infection.