LaserVision

What is Infection?

The cornea is a transparent layer at the surface of the eye which is vulnerable to infection. There are several forms of infective agent which can trouble the eye, including: bacteria, protozoa, amoeba and viruses. Infections can range from mild to severe and an effective management plan is pivotal to ensure a positive outcome. Our Laser Vision ophthalmologists are corneal specialists with years of experience in NHS corneal clinics.

Infections Symptoms

What are the Symptoms?

  • Pain / discomfort
  • Blurred vision
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity
  • Discharge

What are the Causes?

The most common association of corneal infection is poor contact lens practice. Over-wear of lenses, inadequate disinfection of reusable lenses and sleeping and swimming in lenses all significantly increase the risk of infection.

Other risk factors include trauma and a compromised immune system.

Herpetic infection of the cornea is often caused by the common cold-sore virus (HSV-1) which lives dormant in our nervous system. HSV-1 can be activated by poor health, steroid use and aggravating factors such as UV-exposure.

Causes
Causes

What are the Causes?

The most common association of corneal infection is poor contact lens practice. Over-wear of lenses, inadequate disinfection of reusable lenses and sleeping and swimming in lenses all significantly increase the risk of infection.

Other risk factors include trauma and a compromised immune system.

Herpetic infection of the cornea is often caused by the common cold-sore virus (HSV-1) which lives dormant in our nervous system. HSV-1 can be activated by poor health, steroid use and aggravating factors such as UV-exposure.

Infections Diagnosis

What is the Diagnosis?

Our clinicians will perform a thorough examination to identify the causative organism which may require a swab of the corneal surface. Therapeutic drops and / or systemic medication will typically be prescribed, and multiple clinic visits will be scheduled to track the course of the infection until resolution. You will be cared for in the comfort of our private hospital clinics and given the time required to manage your condition.
Uncommon but serious infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis may require hospital admission. In this event, Laser Vision clinicians have strong ties to local NHS hospital services and will refer you to the appropriate centre for treatment.

Need to know Need to know
If you’d like some more information or to discuss this condition with one of our experts, simply drop us a line or give us a call and we’d be delighted to speak with you.
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