Why do my eyes fester and what to do?
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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If you have pus in your eyes, it is not always a sign of ophthalmologic disease. Eyes can fester for various reasons, including diseases that are not related to eye diseases. For example, a severe infectious disease, bacterial infection, sepsis are accompanied by the formation of pus in the eyes. If you look at medieval photographs of the times of mass epidemics, which depict patients suffering from bubonic plague, you can see that all of them have pus in the eyes. This is written in ancient medical treatises: if a person has pus in the eyes, it is necessary to wait for a serious contagious disease.
Causes of the pus from the eyes
So, let's answer the main question: "Why do eyes fester?". First of all, because some pathological process is developing in the body. Sometimes without accurate diagnosis, it is impossible to determine exactly what process, in which organ, and how long it takes. First of all, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist (ophthalmologist) to exclude or confirm eye disease. After all, the cause can be any eye disease - from ordinary conjunctivitis, accompanied by bacterial infection, and ending with severe forms of keratosis or angiokeratosis, in which the deep layers of the eye, blood vessels and oculomotor nerves are affected. If it is a disease of the eye, you can find a huge list of situations and reasons why pus may appear - it is the entry of bacterial infection into the eye, the development of viral infection, foreign body, damage, contamination of the eye, photo- and chemo-burn, and a number of other reasons.
But if the ophthalmologist concluded that there is no pathology of the eye, then pus in the eyes should be considered as a consequence of a large systemic process that occurs at the level of the whole organism. In this case, you need a comprehensive diagnosis, which will allow you to study the body from the perspective of a holistic system, in which there are no isolated organs that function separately. The body is a single system in which the violation of one link leads to failure of the system as a whole. Even a banal decrease in immunity, or a violation of the hormonal background, obesity, diabetes mellitus, or vice versa, anorexia, which at first glance are not related to the eye, can manifest itself with a complex of symptoms, including pus in the eye. It is necessary to approach the solution of problems comprehensively. It is impossible to assume why exactly the eyes are pus in the eyes, without undergoing an examination (if it is not the eyes themselves).
Risk factors
The risk group includes people with a history of chronic, less often - acute eye diseases, trauma, surgical interventions in the integrity of the eye. The risk group includes people with metabolic disorders, including atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, anorexia, obesity, metabolic disorders of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, lack or excess of vitamins, mineral components. Risk factors include various foci of infection in the body, persistent viral infection, parasites, skin mites (Demodex), as all these microorganisms can penetrate into the eye, and cause inflammatory, purulent process there. Wearing contact lenses is also considered as a risk factor, because in contact with the eye and the lens, an oxygen-free environment is formed, which creates optimal conditions for the reproduction of microorganisms (anaerobes). They can also cause inflammation and pus formation.
One of the most important risk factors is a general illness in which a person takes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs. Elevated body temperature, colds, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, acts as an additional factor in which pus can form in the eyes. Such phenomena are often observed in critically ill, bedridden patients, patients who have undergone organ transplantation, blood transfusion, clinical death, cancer patients, and persons with severe immunodeficiency.
Newborns also have festering eyes, because they have not yet fully formed microflora, the eye is at the stage of adaptation to new conditions, undergoes the impact of environmental factors. Older people, especially long-livers, also often have purulent eyes due to the fact that the eye is experiencing fatigue, increased load, there are numerous age-related changes in the body, biochemical and hormonal background is disturbed, immunity decreases.
And, of course, all severe infectious diseases (plague, measles, whooping cough, diphtheria, dysentery, scarlatina, Ebola, Marburg fever, malaria), are accompanied by the formation of pus in the eyes.
Pathogenesis
Various mechanisms underlie the pathogenesis. First of all, they depend on what is the cause of the development of pus (etiologic factor). In general, in bacteriology, the presence of pus is considered a sign of bacterial infection. By the nature of pus, you can approximately assume which microorganism caused the development of pathology. As the main mechanism that contributes to the formation of pus can be considered a decrease in immunity. Decreased immunity leads to a disruption of the microflora, a decrease in defense and compensatory mechanisms, a disruption of the hormonal background.
Bacterial microflora is activated, dysbacteriosis develops. Accordingly, pus is formed in the eyes, as well as on other mucous membranes. Also this process is supported by the development and active maintenance of the inflammatory process: to the focus of infection actively migrate leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, which produce defense factors, mediators, interleukins, activate local immunity. After some time, actively functioning cells accumulate in the focus of inflammation, which intensifies the process of pus formation.
Epidemiology
As practice shows, pus in the eye appears in connection with the eye disease itself only in 70% of cases. In the remaining 30% of cases, pus appears as one of the symptoms indicating a violation of the normal functional state of the body.
If we analyze the age indicators, statistics show that in 30% of cases the eyes fester in children of the first year of life, in 25% of cases - in children from 1 to 12 years. In persons from 12 to 35 years of age, pus in the eyes is observed much less often - you 5-10% of cases. The remaining 40% fall on persons older than 35-40 years. When analyzing the etiological factors underlying the development of pus, it can be noted that pus is caused by bacterial microflora in 98% of cases.
When analyzing the results of microbiological studies, bacteriological cultures from the mucous membranes and eye secretions, it was found that in about 40% of cases the cause of pus is Staphylococcus aureus, in 20% - Streptococcus, in 15% of cases - Pseudomonas bacillus, another 15% are microorganisms of the intestinal group (enterococci, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroides). Other microorganism species accounted for the remaining 10% of cases. Pure culture was not isolated in any case. Mostly pus was due to bacterial strains combined in mixt-infections. Associations consisting of 3, 4 or more microorganisms prevailed, and biofilm forms of microorganisms with increased resistance to antibiotic therapy were also represented.
Symptoms
The main symptom that your eyes are festering is the actual appearance of pus, which begins the entire clinical picture of further pathology. Pus is an exudate that is formed on the surface of the eye, accumulates in the corners of the eyes, is released outside (on the surface of the eyelid). Especially noticeable is the formation of pus in the morning, when the lacrimal apparatus is not active, pus is not washed away with tears and is not excreted outside, but accumulates directly on the mucous membrane. During this period, as a rule, it is quite difficult to open the eye, sometimes the eyelids stick together. In this case, it is better to simply rinse the eye with boiled water, or herbal decoction. Gradually the inflammatory process joins, infection develops.
As the first sign that your eye is starting to fester, you should consider souring of the eye in the morning. Thus, on the surface of the eye, on the eyelid, a film is formed, through which it is impossible to clearly see the image. It seems that the eye is covered with a white veil. It is only worth blinking, and the image will be clear again, because the pus will be displaced. Gradually, the pus becomes more. It is deposited on the surface of the eyelid, forms clusters. In appearance, it is usually white, resembling a stretching thread of various diameters. The color can vary widely, depending on the etiology of the bacterial process.
The eye is red and pus-filled
Redness of the eye usually indicates the development of an inflammatory process in it. The formation of pus indicates that the inflammatory process is bacterial in nature, accompanied by the development of an infectious process, violation of the normal state of the mucous membranes of the eye. To make an accurate diagnosis, you should consult an ophthalmologist, who will conduct an examination and prescribe treatment.
It is worth noting that redness of the eye can be a consequence of its irritation by caustic and toxic substances, chemical components, smoke, vapors of various substances. Such a picture is often observed in persons who have undergone a chemical burn. Also often the eye becomes red and pus in persons who work with chemicals. This condition can be an occupational complication for firefighters, rescuers, welders, employees of mines and chemical laboratories, industries.
Eye watering and pus
The eye may be watery and purulent if you have an inflammation or infectious process in the mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctiva), as well as such a picture is observed in any somatic disease of bacterial or viral nature. For example, with the common cold can also be observed such symptoms, because the virus persists not only in the blood, but also on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, and eyes. The process intensifies against the background of a decrease in local and general immunity. Quite effective in this case are various means aimed at increasing immunity, strengthening the body, eliminating bacterial, viral infection.
My eye is swollen and pus-filled
The first cause of swollen and purulent eye may be edema, which develops as a result of an allergic reaction, increased sensitivity and reactivity of the mucous membranes of the eye. The second possible cause is the ingress of a foreign body, which also entails the development of an inflammatory and allergic reaction, sensitization, increased histamine release. But there may be other causes, and there are quite a lot of them. Therefore, in the event that such symptomatology appears, you need to go to the doctor as soon as possible, to conduct an examination. Only then can the doctor prescribe adequate treatment, which will quickly relieve swelling and eliminate the purulent-inflammatory process, as well as prevent a number of complications and adverse effects, both for the eye and for the body as a whole.
My eyes are festering and I have a fever
Any increase in body temperature indicates the development of inflammatory and purulent-septic process, as well as indicates the systemic nature of the pathology, in which there is damage not only to the eye itself and its immediate structures, but also various disorders at the organismal level. First of all, pathology affects the immune system: there is a decrease in immunity, against the background of this process, the number of bacterial infection rises sharply, viral infection is activated. In various ways, the infection can penetrate into the eye, as a result of which the eyes begin to fester. Temperature can also rise during rehabilitation, restoration of structural and functional elements of the eye after long-term treatment or traumatic injury.
The eye is red and pus-filled.
If you have a red and pus-filled eye, it is better not to self-medicate. There is no time to waste, as the situation can only worsen. It is necessary to immediately go to the doctor to be examined and start treatment. Without a preliminary examination, it is impossible to select a treatment, and to name the cause is also not possible, as there may be many of them. At least an ophthalmologic examination is required. Its essence is quite simple and is reduced to the fact that the doctor examines the structures of the eye with the use of special equipment, instruments. In the process of examination, assess the condition of the mucous membranes of the eye, eyelids, vasculature. Inflammatory, traumatic, dystrophic processes, other changes can be an important diagnostic criterion and prognostic factor. It is obligatory to examine the ocular fundus with the help of special equipment, the vision is checked using standard methods. This is the minimum set of diagnostic methods that allows to make a diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.
My eyes pus in the morning
One of the common complaints in the ophthalmologist's office is that a person's eyes fester in the morning. This is due to the course of the inflammatory and infectious process in the eye area. Pathology increases by morning, and this is quite natural. So, during the day we, one way or another, blink, move the eye, its surface is constantly washed with tear fluid and cleaned. But at night, none of this happens, pus accumulates behind the closed eyelid, as a result of which in the morning and pus eyes.
My eyes are festering with a cold
With a cold, the eyes often fester due to the fact that a viral infection is activated in the body. It contributes to a decrease in immunity, disruption of the normal state of the mucous membranes, as well as stimulates the growth of bacterial microflora. There are practically no cases in which an active viral infection would not entail the activation of bacterial microflora. Infection can get into the eye, both internally, through the blood, blood vessels, nerves, internal structures of the eye, and externally (through dirty hands, sneezing, coughing). Usually prescribe the usual antibacterial eye drops (for example, ciprofloxacin, levomycetin, Vial, and others). And also carry out treatment of the underlying disease - a cold. As a rule, eye drops only temporarily relieve the condition, but full recovery will come only when the cold is cured. You should consult a doctor about a cold. Antiviral drugs intended for oral intake: fluferon, amizon, koldrex, fervex are good.
The eye is festering and itchy
In most cases, the diagnosis can be made only after an examination and basic tests have been taken. Most often, if the eye itches and pus, suspicion falls on demodex - an eye mite that lives (parasitizes) on the surface of the eyelid, as well as on the mucous membrane. As a rule, if there is no pus, we can talk about an insignificant amount of mite, and it lives mainly on the eyelashes and the surface of the eyelid. But if pus appears, it may indicate intensive reproduction of the mite and its colonization of the mucous membrane of the eye, which entails purulent and inflammatory processes.
In order to confirm or deny the diagnosis, a scrape is taken from the eyelid, eyelash, as well as examine the eye discharge. A microscopic examination of the obtained samples is carried out. It should be understood that demodex is not the only possible reason that the eye is festering and itchy. There may be many other reasons, which can be found out only when examined by a qualified doctor. Therefore, a visit to your doctor is mandatory.
Coughing and sore eyes
Cough can indicate pathology of the upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as the development of an infectious disease (viral, bacterial origin). Less often, coughing is a sign of an allergic reaction, spasm. It can also be a sign of other pathologies, but this is the subject of a separate conversation. When a cough appears, especially if it has a prolonged character, you must be sure to pass fluorography, consult with relevant specialists). It is recommended to start with a therapist or pediatrician, who will describe the algorithm of further actions.
If you are concerned about coughing and pus in the eyes - most likely, you will need to consult an infectious disease specialist or bacteriologist, because pus in the eyes in most cases (but not always), indicates the development of bacterial, rarely viral infection. A rational course of examination is the study of the eye discharge. According to the results of bacteriological seeding, it will be possible to determine the nature of the purulent-inflammatory process, which largely determines further treatment.
The object of examination is usually a small amount of mucous membrane secretion from the eye. A scraping or smear from the surface of the conjunctiva is taken. Then the material to the laboratory, where further bacteriological, virological research is carried out, which allows you to identify the cause of the development of pus. As a result of the analysis, the bacterium that is the causative agent of the disease will be isolated and identified. An additional method of research can serve as a similar bacteriological seeding of respiratory tract secretions with coughing (sputum seeding). A smear is also taken from the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, pharynx, nose.
But, in any case, it is advisable to start with a consultation with a general practitioner (pediatrician) and an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will examine the eye, make a conclusion, after which it will be possible to make further conclusions regarding treatment.
Green snot, sore eyes.
If you have festering eyes and all this is accompanied by the appearance of green snot, you can assume a bacterial infection. Presumably, it may be green streptococcus, with a lower probability - staphylococcus aureus. But no qualified specialist will not say for sure, without having in hand the results of tests.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, a bacteriological culture is required, according to the results of which a conclusion is made as to what exactly caused the disease. The fact is that there is an incredible variety of microorganisms that have similar symptomatology, and manifest themselves in a similar way. Differentiate manifestations can only be differentiated on the basis of the isolation of the pathogen directly into a pure culture.
The isolated microorganism is then identified and the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the microorganism are determined. It is possible to do at the same time and antibiotic sensitivity analysis, which will determine the substance (antibiotic) that inhibits the growth of bacterial microflora. It is also possible to choose the optimal dosage of this drug.
If a bacterial infection is confirmed, antibiotic therapy is appropriate (this is the only effective treatment in this case). Usually topical agents with antibiotics (e.g. Eye drops, nasal drops) are prescribed. If the effectiveness of local means is insufficient, systemic drugs - antibiotics are prescribed. Either the drug is selected using an antibiotic sensitivity test, or the choice is made on broad-spectrum drugs, which have a wide range of activity against many types of microorganisms.
My eyes are watery after sleeping
It is not uncommon for people's eyes to fester after sleeping, especially in elderly people, in patients with various chronic (more often - infectious, bacterial processes). Also, such a picture is observed in persons with hormonal changes and biochemical cycle disorders. This can be observed during pregnancy, lactation, after childbirth, during menopause, in elderly persons, sometimes - in adolescents and newborns. It is necessary to consult a doctor (to begin with - to an ophthalmologist). It is necessary to undergo an examination, to determine the cause. It may be necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination, not only ophthalmologic examination, because the pathology may affect the whole organism.
My eyes are always festering
If your eyes are constantly purulent, it may indicate serious systemic changes and disorders at the level of the whole body. It should be taken into account that most often going to an ophthalmologist is ineffective. Any ophthalmologic treatment can only temporarily alleviate the condition, but is not able to completely solve the problem. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the issue comprehensively: to be examined, to consult with various specialists, to undergo consultations of other specialists. On the basis of a comprehensive examination, the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
Fever, cough, and pus in the eyes
Usually fever indicates the development of an inflammatory process. At the same time, most of them occur against the background of bacterial, less often viral infection and a temporary decrease in immunity, disruption of microflora. Cough is a reflex reaction, which is aimed at releasing the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract from foreign, foreign material. This may be a violation of microflora, edema, as a result of which swells and increases in size of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. It can be an accumulation of sputum, mucus, microorganisms on the surface of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Develops against the background of bacterial, viral infection, allergic diseases. It is necessary to consult a doctor. So, if the temperature rises above 39 degrees, it is recommended to call an ambulance without delay. With a temperature of up to 38 degrees, you can limit yourself to calling a district therapist at home. Depending on the diagnosis, hospitalization may be required, because against the background of fever and coughing, the eyes can fester in infectious diseases, or severe inflammatory processes.
An acute respiratory infection causes the eye to fester
In acute respiratory viral infections, the eye (one or both eyes) often fester. This is due to the active multiplication of viral infection in the respiratory tract, as well as the possible penetration of infection into the eye, through the internal environment, or through the external environment (with contaminated hands, through a handkerchief, sneezing, coughing). The virus multiplies rapidly on the surface of the mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva, resulting in pus, inflammation. It is recommended to treat exactly ARVI, then the eye will stop pus, as a consequence. To alleviate the condition, you can use eye drops (preferably with an antibiotic). To quickly relieve the symptoms of a cold (ARVI), it is recommended to take an antiviral drug. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water, bed rest until full recovery.
My eyes are festering and my ears hurt
Often on the background of a severe inflammatory, infectious process, both bacterial and viral origin, a person's eyes may fester and ears may hurt. This is due to the fact that the ears, eyes, nasopharynx, pharynx, represent a single anatomically integral structure. Isolated processes do not happen. The inflammatory and infectious process spreads rather quickly and intensively throughout the system. Thus. The eye is connected to the nasopharynx through the nasolacrimal duct, through which from the nasopharynx during a cold, sore throat, cough, infection easily penetrates into the eye. The nasopharynx is connected to the ear by the eustachian tube, through which infection and inflammation also migrate.
My eyes have been festering for a long time
If a person's eyes are festering for a long time, it is necessary to consult a doctor. It is worth starting with an ophthalmologist (to exclude or confirm an ophthalmologic disease. Then you can proceed to a comprehensive examination of the body. Such a picture can be observed with infectious, inflammatory processes, recurrent and chronic pathologies. Most often the eyes fester for quite a long time and in the case when a person's immunity is weakened, resistance, endurance of the body is reduced.
It is only possible to choose a treatment if you have an accurate diagnosis and know the results of the tests. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo an examination before starting treatment. In the course of the examination, various types of equipment are usually used to assess the state of the eye fundus, visual acuity, angle and radius of vision, structure of tissues, mucous membranes of the eye. Obligatory methods are used, with the help of which it is possible to examine the vasculature of the eye, to identify the reaction to light, other stimulus. Methods are used to measure intraocular, intracranial pressure, allowing you to get a picture and assess the condition of the eye, or its individual structures, both statically and in dynamics. Methods are also used to assess the functional activity of conductive elements, optic nerve, reflex arc, brain departments responsible for processing visual signals. All these indicators may have an important diagnostic value.
Swollen eyelids and pus in the eyes
If the eyelids are swollen and the eyes are pus-filled, it is reasonable to talk about blepharoconjunctivitis. Other structures of the eye, such as the circular muscle of the eye, may also be involved. In this case, a serious differential diagnosis is required, so referral to an ophthalmologist is mandatory. Many ophthalmologic diseases have similar manifestations, so it is necessary to correctly diagnose. This will allow you to choose the right treatment.
First of all, it is necessary to differentiate blepharoconjunctivitis from other bacterial and viral diseases. This excludes malignant, degenerative, dystrophic changes of the eye. It is important to differentiate blepharoconjunctivitis from blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, angular pathologies. Bacteriological, virological examination is often carried out, which allows you to isolate and identify directly the causative agent of the disease and take further measures to eliminate it from the body.
Both eyes are festering
If a person has both eyes festering, we can talk about a bilateral inflammatory process, which is accompanied, as a rule, by the development of bacterial infection. A characteristic feature is that both eyes may undergo suppuration unevenly. As a rule, the eye that is more exposed to suppuration is characterized by a higher degree of bacterial contamination. A bacteriologic culture of the ocular secretion and a complete ophthalmologic examination may be required for a correct diagnosis. Treatment depends on the results of the examination, but in most cases local or systemic antibiotic therapy is prescribed, depending on the severity of the pathological process and the degree of its progression.
The eyes are festering with the flu
Influenza can cause pus in the eye because the influenza virus persists and actively multiplies throughout the respiratory tract, including the nasopharynx and pharynx. These organs are connected to the eye through the nasolacrimal duct, so infection from the nasopharynx and pharynx can be freely transmitted to the eye, causing symptoms.
The main therapy is antiflu (antiviral) therapy. Such drugs as amizon, teraflu, fluferon, koldrex, polysorb are prescribed, which quickly eliminate viral infection and normalize the condition. In the eyes, local anti-inflammatory, antibacterial or antiviral drops or ointments can be prescribed. But often, stop festering eyes only after complete elimination of the flu virus. Regardless of topical therapy.
My eyes are festering from my lenses
Many people experience side effects from lenses, such as pus in the eye. This is possible because the lens is in close contact with the surface of the eye, resulting in an oxygen-free environment that provides ideal conditions for the growth, development and intensive multiplication of anaerobic microflora (bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen). Bacteria, intensively multiply, and contribute to the formation of pus. Gradually, an inflammatory process can develop, in which the production of pus often only increases. It should be treated with antibiotic therapy.
Sore eyes with a sore throat
Angina is a serious bacterial disease that is caused by a bacterial infection (streptococci). Typical symptoms of angina are cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, throat, swelling of the tonsils. All this develops against the background of an increase in temperature, a decrease in immunity. Getting into the eye of a bacterial infection leads to the fact that with angina the eyes begin to fester. Infection can penetrate into the eye quite easily: through the nasolacrimal duct from the nasopharynx and pharynx, or through the environment, directly on the mucous membrane of the eye (when coughing, sneezing, getting the infection with hands).
Treatment is standard - antibiotic therapy is used. Usually systemic therapy is combined with topical antibacterial drops and eye ointments.
One of the following antibiotics may be recommended: ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, azitrox. Dosage: one tablet (500 mg) once a day. The course of treatment is no more than 5 days. Drops of ciprofloxacin, levomycetin, Vial, Visine, penicillin, Otimol are dripped into the eyes.
Urinary retching and pus in the eyes.
The emergence of pain during urination against the background of the fact that a person has pus in the eyes, may indicate that the body develops a severe bacterial infection, with a tendency to form new foci of infection. Such a picture may occur in jaundice, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis), renal failure, and some venereal diseases, for example, syphilis.
I have a sore throat and a sore eye.
Often the combination of symptoms such as a sore throat and suppuration of the eye can indicate the development of a bacterial or viral infection. This may be a consequence of a recent cold, or a viral disease, a form of complications of sore throat. In order to make a diagnosis, you need to visit a general practitioner and an ophthalmologist. They will conduct an initial examination, and if necessary, prescribe additional examination.
My eyes are festering after a sauna
In severe cases, the eyes may fester after a sauna. There are several causes - infection in the eye (for example, when bathing, from the pool, hypothermia after sauna, temperature difference, reaction (individual intolerance) of steam, heat. It is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist, do not take any measures on your own.
Tears and pus in the right, left eye
Often people have tearing and pus in either the left or right eye. Sometimes both of them at once. This may be a sign of an ophthalmologic disease, so the first thing to do in such a situation is to consult an ophthalmologist.
At the same time, it should be taken into account that only ophthalmologist consultation may not be enough. Often consultations of other specialists and complex diagnostics are required. This is due to the fact that often the eyes fester against the background of a general disorder of the body (for example, in severe diseases, with a sharp decrease in immunity, hormonal disorders, many infectious diseases of the body, in the period after surgery, against the background of cancer).
Severe edema can be a sign of an allergic reaction, increased sensitization and sensitivity of the body, develops against the background of bronchial asthma, choking, Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock. It can be observed when taking certain medications, such as antitumor, antituberculosis, antiparasitic agents, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Eye pain and pus under the upper eyelid
If there are unpleasant sensations in the eye area, especially if the eye under the upper eyelid hurts and pus, you should immediately consult a doctor. Pus is usually a sign of an inflammatory process that occurs with the development of infection (of bacterial origin). The area under the upper eyelid - one of the most difficult to access places of the eyeball, so the bulk of the infection accumulates there. Need to examine the eye, after which the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment. Often in this case, antibiotic therapy is required.
Purulent eyes with rotovirus infection
Rotovirus infection often causes the eyes to fester. This is an infection that causes a cold-like illness in the body: fever, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose. It is recommended to drink large quantities of special herbal decoctions, which will reduce the viral and bacterial load on the body, increase immunity.
Mumps in a child's eye with parotitis
Parotitis (mumps) is a severe infectious disease with high fever, kidney pain, sore throat, and nonspecific liver damage. The infection spreads throughout the body, causing symptoms of intoxication. If mumps infection enters the eye, it begins to pus. Treatment is specific antiviral. The patient is isolated, placed in quarantine. Hospitalization in an infectious disease hospital may be required. From mumps there is a vaccine. To avoid this disease, it is necessary to immunize children in a timely manner, in accordance with the vaccination calendar.
Pus in the eye after an injury
Almost no one is surprised by the fact that the eye may fester after trauma. This is quite a natural phenomenon, because the eye has been penetrated by infection, the integrity of the anatomical structures of the eye has been violated, the mucous membrane has been damaged. Any trauma is accompanied by the development of infection and inflammation, as a consequence - the appearance of pus. Treatment in each case is strictly individual, since it depends largely on the nature of the injury, as well as on what initial measures were taken, what emergency care was provided. It is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist or traumatologist.
Pharyngitis makes your eyes water
In pharyngitis, the eyes may fester due to the fact that this is a disease that is accompanied by the development of inflammation and infection in the throat, nasopharynx, upper respiratory tract. In this case, the infection quite easily penetrates through the nasolacrimal duct into the eye, which leads to the appearance of pain. It is necessary to treat tonsillitis as the underlying disease. Once tonsillitis is treated, the eye usually stops festering. In case of severe suppuration, antiseptic ointments or drops (with antibiotic) are used.
My eyes are festering a lot
If your eyes are very festering, you should immediately go to an ophthalmologist. He will conduct an examination, prescribe treatment. Treatment can be quite long, and is often determined by the cause. Not only local ophthalmologic treatment may be required, but also systemic therapy. Ophthalmologic treatment is reduced to local action: the doctor prescribes the most effective topical agents aimed directly at treating the mucous membrane of the eyelid (ointments, eye drops, mainly with antibiotics). Eye washings, lotions, compresses are also prescribed.
Pregnant woman's eyes are festering
A pregnant woman may develop various associated pathologies, such as. For example, a pregnant woman may have purulent eyes. The main cause is intoxication of the body, a sharp release of histamine, decreased immunity, violation of normal microflora, violation of the basic properties of mucous membranes, including the mucous membrane of the eye. In the body of a pregnant woman there are various restructuring, changes in the hormonal background, decreased immunity, increased sensitivity, susceptibility to various external and internal factors, reactivity, sensitization of the body. In order to determine how to behave in this situation, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist, as well as the doctor who is conducting the pregnancy. Based on the conclusion of the ophthalmologist, the gynecologist, observing the pregnant woman in the antenatal clinic or maternity hospital, makes the final appointments. Self-treatment is strictly contraindicated.
Diagnostics of the pus from the eyes
Diagnosis is based on ophthalmologic examination, during which not only visually assess the condition of the mucous membranes of the eye, its visible structures, register inflammatory, dystrophic processes, other changes, but also examine the eye fundus with the help of special equipment. There are many other methods of examining the state of the eye, various instruments and equipment are used. Often the usual test of vision is used (its acuity is determined). This is one of the main, usual methods of examination by an ophthalmologist.
Analyses
The use of various tests is very rare, unless they are specific tests related to the study of the eye, its internal and auxiliary structures. The use of general, clinical tests such as blood and urine tests is rarely justified. Nevertheless, some doctors use them as well. For example, with the help of an ordinary blood test, you can determine what processes are taking place in the body. So, if the tests indicate the development of a viral infection in the body, the use of antiviral drugs is justified. Shift in the leukocytic formula, indicating the development of viral, bacterial infection, suggests that pus in the eyes is a consequence of general disorders in the body, arising against the background of activation of viral, bacterial microflora.
Taking into account this fact, further treatment is selected, for example, systemic therapy is applied at the level of the whole body (antibiotics are prescribed, etc.). In parallel, local therapy is also conducted with the use of antiviral or antibacterial ointments, drops. Sometimes clinical analysis may indicate a decrease in immunity, allergic and autoimmune processes, which require an appropriate response, including the use of anti-allergic drugs, immunocorrectors.
Treatment of the eye alone may not always be effective, it is necessary to take into account that the eye is only a part of the system. Therefore, it is necessary to affect the whole organism, taking into account the systemic pathology, the organismal level. If the eye is festering, it may be not only a problem of the visual system. Not for nothing ancient doctors, or physicians during mass epidemics, always pay attention to the condition of the mucous membranes, eyes. For example, severe infectious diseases are often accompanied by the appearance of pus, including in the eyes.
Instrumental diagnostics
In the ophthalmologist's office during the initial examination, various types of equipment are usually used to assess the condition of the ocular fundus, to examine the vasculature of the eye, to detect the reaction to a particular stimulus. Methods are used to measure intraocular, intracranial pressure. There are many other instrumental methods of research that allow you to get a picture and assess the state of the eye, or its individual structures in statics, or methods that allow you to register changes occurring in dynamics. A characteristic feature is that most of these methods are used already in specialized conditions (in ophthalmological clinics, centers, departments). There are also numerous methods that allow assessing the functional activity of the visual system, the relevant parts of the brain.
Differential diagnosis
The basis of differential diagnosis is the need to differentiate between the various conditions and diseases in which the eye may pus. To begin with, it is necessary to determine whether pus in the eye is the primary cause, that is, whether it is really a disease of the eye, the visual system. Or it is a disease at the systemic level, one of the symptoms of which is suppuration of the mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva of the eyes. To do this, it is important to collect the most complete medical history of the patient, assess the condition of the body as a whole. If there is such a need, the doctor will prescribe additional consultations of specialists, as well as auxiliary methods of research (laboratory, instrumental).
It is also important to differentiate the nature of the purulent process. This is what determines the tactics of further treatment. Most often for this purpose, a small amount of mucous membrane detachment (smear from the surface of the conjunctiva) is taken for research. Further bacteriological, virological research is carried out, which allows you to identify the cause of the development of pus. So, with an inflammatory process of bacterial origin, a microorganism will be isolated, which is the causative agent of the purulent-septic process. With a viral process, the virus, its quantitative and qualitative characteristics are also isolated.
Treatment of the pus from the eyes
Treatment is largely determined by the cause. First, if necessary, other specialists are consulted, after which a treatment is prescribed, which should be adhered to. Ophthalmologist, in turn, select local means aimed directly at treating the disease of the eye, normalizing the state of the mucous membranes. In this case, most often, the reason that a person or animal has festering eyes is a bacterial infection. With severe suppuration of the eye, it is necessary to apply systemic therapy aimed at eliminating the bacterial process in the body, relieving the inflammatory process. It is also worth noting that in parallel with general therapy, local treatment is also applied. The doctor prescribes special ointments, eye drops, mainly with antibiotics. Often carry out eye washes, lotions, compresses. Procedures can be performed both at home and in the conditions of a polyclinic (hospital).
What should you do if your eyes are festering?
If your eyes are festering and you don't know what to do, don't do anything. At least until you visit an ophthalmologist, he will not conduct a full examination of the eye, will not determine the reason why the eyes may be pus. Then the doctor will tell you what to do, how to treat. Self-treatment can end tragically for your eye. You should always remember that the eye is an extremely complex, vulnerable and sensitive structure, which is easy to damage, and very difficult, and sometimes, even impossible to restore. Incorrect treatment can end up with severe complications for the eye, nerve, and brain. Even minor deviations from the prescribed treatment may result in complete or partial loss of vision.
What to treat if your eyes are festering?
If you notice that your eyes are festering, you should go to the doctor. Only an ophthalmologist can say what to treat. First, in each specific case, the clinical picture of the pathology, the leading symptomatology is sharply different. Accordingly, different approaches to treatment. Often it is necessary to determine the cause of the appearance of pus, and then - to select means and methods of treatment. Usually use ointments, or special eye drops that quickly relieve the inflammatory process, eliminate infection. If necessary, systemic therapy is used, for example, antibiotics, immune-stimulating drugs, means that increase the overall endurance and resistance of the body. It is useful to rinse the eyes, compresses. For this purpose, various homeopathic remedies, herbal decoctions are often used. Consider some recipes for decoctions used to rinse the eyes, applying lotions. To make a lotion, you need a cloth, absorbent cotton, or cotton disk, soak in a vegetable decoction, squeeze a little, put on closed eyelids. Lie like this for 10-15 minutes, after which lightly blot the eyelids with a dry cotton pad (cloth).
Medications
- Ciprofloxacin eye drops
Dosage: 1-3 drops in each eye, 3-4 times a day, at least 10 days.
Precautions: consult a physician before use.
Side effects: conjunctivitis, itching.
- Ocomistin
Dosage: 2-3 drops in each eye, 3-4 times a day, at least 14-15 days.
Precautions: do not use in cataract of the eye.
- Oftadec
Dosage: 1-3 drops in each eye, 3-5 times a day, at least 10 days.
Precautions: consult a physician before use.
- Levomycetin
Dosage: 2-4 drops in each eye, 3-7 times a day, 10-14 days.
Precautions: when combined with other drugs, consult a doctor.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used as part of ointments and eye drops, such as tetracycline, levomycetin, eye drops and ointments, drops with decamethoxin, dexamethasone, tetracycline, penicillin, and other means. With a strong inflammatory process, antibiotics of systemic action are used, that is, drinking various tablets that have a complex effect on the whole body as a whole. Appoint, first of all, broad-spectrum antibiotics that affect many groups of microorganisms, including gram-positive, gram-negative.
What can I use to flush if my eye is festering?
If the eye is festering, you need to know what to wash, at least in order to temporarily improve the condition. After that, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible, so that he carefully examines all the structures of the eye, mucous membranes, the main fundus. You should also conduct an assessment of the functional state of the eye. After you know exactly the cause of the pathology, the appropriate treatment will be prescribed.
How to rinse before going to the doctor? If the eye is festering, use special solutions that are sold in the pharmacy for rinsing the eyes, treating mucous membranes. You can also use a light solution of manganese (no more than 1-2 crystals per glass of warm water).
Purulent discharge is often a sign of bacterial infection, so for lavage use various antiseptic preparations, solutions, for example: solutions of furacilin, rivanol, boric acid, sodium sulfacil (albucid)
Various herbal decoctions are used. The most proven decoctions of chamomile, calendula, stevia, which quickly relieve inflammation, prevent the development of infection, contribute to the recovery of the eye. Also works well ordinary strong tea (green, black). It is best to use Indian, Chinese tea.
- Albucid
Represents a fairly effective eye drops that are used for various pathologies of the eye. It is a 20-305 solution of sodium sulfacil. It is mainly prescribed if a person has a disturbed intraocular and intracranial pressure (stabilizes, normalizes it). Also albucid has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect. It is aimed at eliminating the bacterial process, viral infection. Often prescribed as part of a complex treatment in severe, neglected situations, when other means are ineffective. Often prescribed in combination with hydrocortisone ointment.
- Derinat
It is a preparation of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory action. It is available as an ointment, which is placed behind the eyelid, and in the form of eye drops. Increases local immunity, eliminates the inflammatory process. Derinat is prescribed 2-3 drops in each eye, the course of treatment is an average of 10-14 days. Side effects and contraindications are not known, cases of overdose are also not described.
Ointments
In inflammatory and purulent eye diseases, ointments are widely used. Thus, they are put in a small amount behind the eyelid (upper, lower). Quite an effective method of treatment is the joint use of ointments and eye drops, since the mechanism of their action is somewhat different (they mutually complement each other).
If the eyes fester, various ointments are used, mostly with antibiotics, including: hydrocortisone ointment, tetracycline ointment, levomycetan ointment, Derinat, tebrophenol, florenal, bonaphthanol ointment, as well as 1% emulsion of syntomycin, erythromycin ointment.
Vitamins
In most cases, eye diseases are associated with vitamin deficiencies or metabolic disorders. Cones, which are light-sensitive receptors located on the retina, are responsible for color vision. For black-and-white vision are responsible for the rods, which are also localized on the retina, and are light-sensitive receptors. They are based on light-sensitive pigments, which convert electrical energy into chemical bonding energy, thus maintaining the normal functioning of the entire visual sensory system. Light-sensitive pigments, including rhodopsin, are a compound formed by the retinol molecule (vitamin A, beta-carotene).
The breakdown of the receptor under the action of light triggers the receptor potential, photoreaction, and provides vision (vision). At the same time, retinol deficiency disrupts the entire process of perception of visual image, starting from triggering the action potential in the receptors, and ending with information processing in the relevant parts of the brain.
Nevertheless, other vitamins are also important, without which the normal functioning of cells and tissues is impossible. Therefore, if the eyes fester, you need to take a complex of vitamins, with the mandatory content of vitamin A. It is recommended to take vitamins in the following daily concentrations: A - 240 mg; E - 45 mg, PP - 60 mg, D - 120 mg, C - 500 mg.
Physiotherapy treatment
To treat diseases of the eye, physiotherapy is rarely used. In general, eye washings, injections, medications, ointments, compresses are performed. Sometimes, in specialized ophthalmology clinics apply special heat procedures, hardening. It is important to carry out complex physiotherapeutic treatment, which will affect the body as a whole, increase immunity, accelerate the healing process. Since vitamin therapy is indicated, electrophoresis may be prescribed, with which medicinal substances (vitamins) enter directly into the tissues.
Folk treatment
The use of folk remedies is also one of the methods of treating pus in the eyes.
- Recipe #1.
In regular boiled water (200-250 ml) add a tablespoon of finely chopped aloe leaf, birch buds and lime color. All this is insisted for at least an hour, used for compresses (lotions), washes. The number of procedures per day - unlimited. With a strong expression of purulent-septic, inflammatory process, used every 20-30 minutes, gradually reducing the frequency. Treatment should be long, at least 14 days, even if the symptoms of the disease have completely disappeared.
- Recipe #2.
To prepare a decoction take a tablespoon of leaves and tendrils of grapes, 5-6 berries prunes, pour a glass of boiling water. All this insist at least 3-4 hours, strain, use for compresses and lotions.
- Recipe #3.
Take in equal parts grains of oats and barley. Pour a glass of warm milk, bring to a boil. Cook over low heat until the oats and barley become soft, mushy. Remove from the fire, cover with a lid, allow to infuse for 1-2 hours. Use for compresses, lotions.
- Recipe #4.
As a basis take boiled water (can be distilled). Bring to a boil, then add about a tablespoon of the following components: stems and leaves of motherwort, parsley greens. Stir, after which set aside and give the opportunity to insist. To increase the endurance of the body, drink a tablespoon 3-5 times a day. Also used for compresses, eye wash, lotions.
Herbal treatment
If your eyes are festering, you can try herbal treatment.
Anise (anise seeds). Used in the form of decoction. Used for lotions, compresses, take internally. Prepare a decoction, focusing on the proportions: 2 tablespoons of seeds per glass of boiling water. For ingestion, it is better to add more honey (to taste). Anise contains a lot of phytoncides, which have an antibacterial effect (reduces the number of bacteria, respectively, reduces inflammation, purulent-septic process). Additionally, anise has a relaxing effect on the muscles, relieves spasm, overstrain. First of all, it is important for the eye-motor muscles, including ciliated, because its relaxation contributes to the removal of fatigue from the eye, improves metabolic processes in it, recovery comes faster.
Decoction of rosehip fruit used as compresses, lotions, applications. It can be taken internally, because it is a powerful source of vitamin C, which has an immune-stimulating effect, acts as a means of antiviral, antibacterial, eliminates oxidative stress. In addition, it relieves spasm, relaxes tense areas, tones relaxed, which is also important for the eye-motor muscles, of which there are as many as 6 in the visual apparatus.
The herb wormwood bitter is used in the form of decoction. It is recommended to take internally, as well as to carry out lotions, compresses. It has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect. Inside take a tablespoon 2-3 times a day until the eyes stop festering.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment methods are rarely used. Most often these are emergency cases, in which the purulent-septic process progresses, inflammation and infection spreads throughout the body. Phlegmon may develop, pus through the nerves can go to the brain, cause inflammation of the corresponding parts. In this case, you need emergency surgery to remove phlegmona. Many traumas, injuries, require surgical intervention. Most often this is due to the risk of transmission of infection to the brain, as well as damage to blood vessels and nerves, high pain syndrome.
Complications and consequences
If left untreated, the effects and complications can be serious. Even if your eyes are festering slightly, they still need to be treated. Subsequently, if untreated, it can develop into severe forms of conjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis. Keratitis (a disease in which the leading link in the pathogenesis is inflammation of the cornea of the eye) often develops. Gradually decreases vision as a result of corneal opacity. A rather dangerous complication is angular conjunctivitis (a disease, the specific sign of which is the involvement in the pathological process not only of the mucous membrane of the eye, but also of the vascular layer located under the conjunctiva). Tumors of the eye, vascular layer, eye nerve damage, dystrophic lesions of the eye that end in tissue necrosis and blindness may also develop.
If your eyes are festering, you don't have to wait, you have to do something. The visual system is one of the most complex systems of the body, it performs the most important function - collecting, transmitting, analyzing visual information. Loss of vision is a serious loss for a person, in which a person loses more than 75% of the sensation of perceiving the world. It is worth noting that this is not the only complication of untreated diseases of the eye. It often happens that the infection progresses to the entire visual system, affecting all internal, auxiliary structures of the eye, the optic nerve itself, the visual parts of the brain, responsible for processing information, analyzing and interpreting it. It is important to note that the effectiveness of treatment will depend, first of all, on the severity of the pathological process. Therefore, the sooner you see a doctor, diagnose and start treatment, the better the chances of recovery.
Prevention
The basis of prevention is observing the rules of hygiene. You should not let dirty water, sweat get into the eye, you should not get into the eye with dirty hands, objects, even if something got there. If there is a foreign body in the eye, it should be taken out carefully, preferably using sterile instruments. If sterility is not available, then rinse with distilled or usually boiled water. And pump with drops with antibiotic. In addition, you should always make sure that the immune system was normal, so that there was no dysbacteriosis, foci and sources of bacterial, viral infection. It is worth noting that this requires a nutritious diet, an optimal balance of work and rest, sufficient intake of vitamins, especially vitamin A. Food should be rich in caratinoids (vitamin A) - liver, blueberries, eggs, carrots, tomatoes, etc. It is important to give your eyes a chance to rest - for this purpose you should periodically perform special eye exercises, contemplation, meditation, Trataka (this technique is described quite well in classical hatha yoga).
Forecast
If you see a doctor in time, take the necessary measures - the prognosis can be favorable. Otherwise, any diseases of the eye are severe, and may end up with various complications, including for the brain. Often eye diseases end in complete or partial loss of vision, blindness. It should be understood that if your eyes fester - this is a sign of bacterial infection. Therefore, it should be treated as soon as possible, so that it does not spread. Often, untreated bacterial infection turns into phlegmon, which, in turn, gives complications in the second eye, causes purulent-septic lesions of the brain.