Eye Infections and Allergies

A number of eye infections and allergies exist that can disrupt your daily routine. We will assess and offer treatment so you can see and feel better.

ABOUT EYE INFECTIONS

Dr. Jay Rigney Eye Care and Eyewear in Owasso, OK has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating both common and rare forms of eye infections and eye allergies. There are countless ailments that can occur at any given time that can affect the eyes and cause pain, irritation, redness, tearing, or temporary vision loss, depending on your activities, lifestyle, climate, and medical condition. In many cases, the vast majority of eye infections will eventually go away on their own with at-home treatments. For allergy sufferers, or those with a condition that cannot be treated over-the-counter, Dr. Rigney can provide effective treatment to alleviate the pain and discomfort these infections and allergies can cause.

COMMON EYE INFECTIONS

Anyone suffering eye infections knows how distracting and painful they can be. Fungi, bacteria, and viruses can cause eye infections in either one or both eyes. Some of the most common eye infections include:

• Conjunctivitis - One of the most common eye infections is conjunctivitis, or pink eye. Pink eye is usually caused by bacteria or a virus and often results in itchiness, redness, and discharge from the inflamed conjunctiva, or membrane that covers the white of the eye. This condition is very contagious, but can be treated with antibiotics.
• Sty - A sty is another common form of infection. A sty occurs when bacteria forges its way into the follicles of a person’s eyelash. A sty presents itself as a bump on the eyelid just under the lashes. This bump can be on the top or under the lid, larger in size or small, and depending on location and size can cause great irritation. There are standard treatments for this such as antibiotics, warm compresses, and knowing how to stop on early if another outbreak occurs.
• Uveitis - Uveitis affects the uvea, or middle layer of the eye beneath the white part of the eye. The most common symptom is distinct redness and inflammation of the iris. The most common treatment for this eye condition are eye drops that help to ease the inflammation. Sometimes an antibiotic is needed if blurred vision or other symptoms occur.
• Corneal Ulcers – Corneal ulcers, or open sores on the cornea, can occur when an individual has suffered an eye injury or infection.       

While this list represents some of the most common eye infections, there are numerous more. The key to relieving an infection is early diagnosis. If you’re experiencing eye pain, itching, inflammation, redness, or drainage that will not go away, it's best to seek medical advice as to how to treat the symptoms.

COMMON EYE ALLERGIES

Eye allergies are also known as “allergic conjunctivitis”. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the individual’s immune system fails to fight off the triggers. Instead, the immune system releases histamine, a chemical that can cause swelling and inflammation. Many of the elements that contribute to nasal allergies, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, feathers, grass, and other substances can also cause eye allergies. The most common eye allergy is caused by pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees. If the eye allergy lasts year round, it is known as perennial conjunctivitis. If the eye allergy is seasonal, it is known as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Eye allergies caused by makeup, perfume, or other chemicals applied by an individual are simply known as conjunctivitis. There are numerous treatment options to consider based on your specific symptoms, how often they occur, your lifestyle, and hobbies.

EYE INFECTIONS AND ALLERGIES REVIEWS

"I am a new patient of Dr Rigney and I cannot recommend him enough! I have a stubborn eye infection and Dr Rigney has gone above and beyond to treat me. I will be switching my whole family...

- M.D. / Facebook / Nov 10, 2019

TREATMENT

After a thorough eye examination from Dr. Rigney, he will be able to prescribe the right protocol to treat your eye infection or allergy. Treatments ranging from prescription eye drops to oral antibiotics can often clear up an infection, while a cortisone or steroid shot can help treat the symptoms that burden allergy sufferers. The good news, is that most infections and allergies can be addressed and treated so that your symptoms are put to rest, or managed accordingly.

RELIEF FOR SUFFERERS

With more than 30 years of experience as a leading optometrist in Owasso, OK, Dr. Rigney has built a practice known for providing trustworthy eye care to residents. Using the latest technology available, Dr. Rigney can diagnose your allergy or infection and have you on the road to recovery in no time. Call today to schedule an appointment.