Tom S Chang MD on Common Causes of Eye Infection and Prevention

“Eye infections do not just happen; in quite a number of cases, eye infections could have been

prevented,” says Tom S Chang MD. In most cases, eye infections present with similar

symptoms. Most people, however, tend to ignore these symptoms until they become severe. To

help patients prevent eye infections, Dr. Chang discusses common eye infections, their causes,

and prevention.

Keratitis

Tom S Chang MD ranks keratitis high on the list of eye common eye infections. He explains that

an infected cornea usually causes this condition, which is identifiable by corneal swelling. In

some cases, keratitis may be caused by an injury to the eye. Tom S Chang MD explained that

certain people are more susceptible to this condition. Those who wear contact lenses and live in

warm environments are more keratitis prone. He also mentions that the infections which may

cause Keratitis may be bacterial, fungal, or viral.

 

Blepharitis

According to Tom S Chang MD, blepharitis is also a common eye infection. He explains that

blepharitis is an inflammation of your eyelids and can have different causes, such as clogging of

oil glands in the eyelids, bacteria, and skin fold malformation. Dr. Chang also states that

allergies, dandruff, and malfunctioning oil glands may make patients more susceptible to

blepharitis.

 

Cellulitis

Another common eye infection is cellulitis. Dr. Chang explains that infected eye tissues are the

primary cause of cellulitis. Eyelid cellulitis is often caused by scratches or injury to the cornea.

These scratches or injuries usually introduce staphylococcus or nearby bacteria into the cornea.

According to Dr. Chang, this bacteria’s introduction into the cornea may cause eyelid redness,

swelling, and discomfort. Dr. Chang advises patients to ensure that any injuries to their eyes are

checked promptly and disinfected. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat the infection.

 

Sty

Another common eye infection is a sty, also known as a hordeolum. Dr. Chang explains that sty

usually presents itself as a pimple-like bump. The pimple-like bump develops from oil glands on

the outer edges of the eyelid. Although sty is a relatively less severe infection, failure to treat

might worsen the condition. To prevent sty, Dr. Chang suggests that patients regularly clean the

area around their eyes with a warm, clean cloth to clear any clogging

.

Uveitis

Tom S Chang MD also mentions uveitis as a common eye infection. He explains that uveitis

results from the inflammation of the uvea. The uvea is the eye that transmits images from the

eye to the brain. According to Dr. Chang, the condition is usually caused by immune system

conditions, viral infections, or eye injuries. Tom S Chang MD mentions that uveitis can be

treated relatively swiftly and non-intrusively in most cases.

Tom S Chang MD: What Are The Best Preventive Measures For Eye Infections?

Dr. Chang points out that most eye infections are preventable with proper care. In most cases,

eye infections become severe as a result of delaying care. To help patients prevent eye

infections, Dr. Chang suggests some lifestyle changes that prevent eye infections.

“I believe that, if we can get to more people to be conscious about how they treat their eyes, we may have less severe and damaging cases to treat.”

Maintain Proper Hygiene

“The most important preventative measure of eye infections is maintaining good hygiene,” says

Dr. Chang. According to Dr. Chang, most eye infections can be prevented if proper hygiene is

maintained. Washing hands before touching your eyes, especially after an injury, is essential. It

is important that you ensure that your hands are clean before bringing them into contact with

your eyes. Tom S Chang MD also notes that proper hygiene includes washing? Regular bed

coverings, handkerchiefs, and towels. Special care should be given to every material that

comes into frequent contact with the eye.

Maintain Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

Tom S Chang MD points out that many eye infections are related to poor contact lens hygiene.

Improper care of contact lenses can result in direct exposure of the eye to bacteria. He

encourages everyone to pay special attention to the state of their contact lenses. He also

advises everyone to maintain the highest possible hygiene standards when handling their contact lenses. Dr. Chang offers some practical tips for contact lens care.

Always remove your contacts before bedtime

Sleeping with contact lenses increases the risk of injuring the cornea. Tom S Chang MD

mentions that even FDA approved contact lenses for sleeping should be taken out if possible.

Avoid Getting your Contacts in Water

Tom S Chang MD recommends that contact lenses be kept as far as possible away from water.

Contact with water of any form of water may increase the risk of contracting an infection. Eye

infections from water are rare but are very difficult to treat. People who use contacts should

take them out before swimming, showering, or bathing.

 

Do not share cosmetics

Tom S Chang MD advises against the sharing of cosmetics or brushes. Dr. Chang explains that

sharing cosmetic products increases the chances of contracting any number of eye infections.

Eye makeup should never be shared under any circumstance, as sharing may lead to infection

transmission. He also encourages makeup users to pay attention to any allergic reactions they

may experience when trying products.

Dr. Chang recommends that eye makeup be removed before going to bed, as sleeping with

makeup significantly increases the chances of contracting blepharitis.

The conclusion from Tom S Chang MD

“Preventative eye care is simpler than most people expect. The problem is that most people do

not even pay attention to it,” says Dr. Chang. If more individuals were conscious of their eyes’

health in the simplest ways, there would be fewer infections. Most eye infections are caused by

simple things, and handwashing alone can make a significant difference in preventing eye

infections. Tom S Chang MD believes that patients play a significant role in treating illness. His

response to this belief is to equip patients with all the necessary information needed to take a

proactive role in their eye care.

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