Eye Infection: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your eye feels red, itchy, or burning, it might be an eye infection, a condition caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that inflames parts of the eye, including the conjunctiva or cornea. Also known as conjunctivitis, it’s one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor or pharmacist—not because it’s dangerous in every case, but because it can quickly become serious if ignored. Not all red eyes are infections, though. Some are allergies, dryness, or even side effects from medications. But if you’re seeing discharge, blurred vision, or pain when you blink, it’s time to take it seriously.

One of the biggest risks with eye infections is mistaking them for something harmless. People often reach for over-the-counter drops, but those won’t fix a bacterial infection. That’s where prescription eye drops like dorzolamide-timolol, a combination medication used to lower high eye pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension come into play. While dorzolamide-timolol isn’t an antibiotic, it’s often prescribed alongside infection treatments because high eye pressure can worsen damage from inflammation. The real treatment for infections? Antibiotic or antiviral drops, tailored to the cause. Some infections clear in days; others need weeks—and sometimes surgery—if the cornea is involved.

What you might not realize is that eye infections often link to other health issues. A person with diabetes or a weakened immune system is more likely to get a severe eye infection. Even something as simple as wearing contact lenses too long or not cleaning them right can turn a minor irritation into a full-blown infection. And while antibiotics are common, overuse leads to resistance—so doctors are more careful now about prescribing them only when needed.

There’s also a quiet connection between eye infections and chronic conditions like glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. People with glaucoma already have sensitive eyes. An infection can spike their pressure even higher, making treatment more urgent. That’s why many of the same medications used for pressure control—like dorzolamide-timolol—are also monitored closely when someone has an infection. It’s not just about killing germs; it’s about protecting vision long-term.

You’ll find posts here that break down how specific eye drops work, what to expect when you use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. Some cover the science behind combination drops. Others warn about fake online pharmacies selling fake eye meds. One even explains how genetic differences affect how your body responds to eye medications—something most people never think about until they get a bad reaction.

Eye infections don’t always scream for attention. Sometimes they whisper—just a little redness, a bit of grittiness in the morning. But that whisper can turn into a shout if you wait too long. The right treatment starts with knowing what you’re dealing with. Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve been there, doctors who’ve treated it, and science that’s been tested—not just marketing claims.