Persistent Eye Infections?

I seem to get very frequent eye infections (conjunctivitis) in my left eye. I will have a bout of it at least twice a month and I've stopped going to the doctors about it because they never say it is anything more than a simple infection. I've gotten used to it happening now so I very rarely buy eye drops, but sometimes it can be really painful.

Symptoms: Very red under each eyelid, blurry vision in the infected eye, and sometimes bloodshot eye.

It is probably not related but this started about 9 to 12 months after I had laser eye surgery.

Are there any medical people or doctors out there that suspect this may be something more sinister than a simple eye infection (so I can point my GP in another direction)?

Thanks in advance.

It maybe allergic conjunctivitis. So treating just the conjunctivitis will not prevent it from returning. The allergy needs to be treated as well. I am a fellow sufferer.

Treatment


Conjunctivitis requires medical attention. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the problem.



For the allergic type, cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Some patients with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops.



Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments that cover a broad range of bacteria.



Like the common cold, there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis; however, the symptoms can be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tears (found in most pharmacies). For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves within 3 weeks.



To avoid spreading infection, take these simple steps:

路 Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs and counters with diluted bleach solution

路 Don鈥檛 swim (some bacteria can be spread in the water)

路 Avoid touching the face

路 Wash hands frequently

路 Don鈥檛 share towels or washcloths

路 Do not reuse handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best)

路 Avoid shaking hands

i would say to you that it might have something to do with laser treatment I have always said i would never ever have laser near my eyes/its not had long enough to know what end results are

Make an appointment for the Morfield eye hospital,,,,and get a proper diagnosis,,,,

I think you are right it is unlikely to be infection at all. It may well be reactive as a result of the surgery. Go back to your GP when you next get an episode, make sure it is a morning appointment and ask him to take an eye swab to prove whether or not it is infection. Assuming that the swab result, available in 48 hours, comes back negative, you need a referral to an eye surgeon.

Bad news, the problem may be that this is a reactive conjunctivitis or iritis or even irido-cyclitis. If this is the case the management is steroids rather than antibiotics, but it is not generally curable and may recur anyway. Generally by the way it is NOT a good idea for a GP to initiate steroid eye drops UNLESS the patient has had the diagnosis confirmed by an ophthalmologist.

You could have a tear in your cornea which is partially healing, then breaks down again. You need to have your eyes examined properly at an eye hospital or by a suitably qualified doctor who has the proper equipment.

Initially, most eye infections are pretty harmless and in time will right themselves but sometimes you may need a little help in the form of anti-biotics. You mentioned that the infection is reoccurring and therefore this needs to be investigated. I suggest that you see your doctor again and ask for some investigations, if necessary asked to be referred for specialist advice from an Ophthalmologist. If you have a specialist eye hospital near you simply pop along to them for further advice and treatment. I feel that your recent elective laser eye surgery is simply coincidental but again I would impress on your doctor that this is causing you concern and considerable inconvenience. You may benefit from your eye being examined to see whether there are any irritants embedded in the eye which could be exacerbating the problem.

Maybe it is not simply conjunctivitis. It could be reccuring Iritis, which i suffer from, the white of the eye goes pink and is very painful. Ask your doctor to refer you to an eye specialist. That way you will find out exactly what is wrong.