Treatment and Prevention
Broad-spectrum antibiotics will deal with most cases of bacterial conjunctivitis
or keratitis, while particular antibiotics are used to wipe out gonorrhea and
chlamydia. All of these diseases can be cured.
Most fungal and parasitic infections are also treatable by various medications.
The exception is histoplasma, which can't even be detected in the retina, though
we know it's there. The only current treatment is laser cauterization of the
affected area, which dramatically slows the destruction of the macula (the center
of the retina). This operation often has to be repeated several times. There's
still no way to repair the damage already done, though new surgical techniques
are under study.
Herpes simplex can't be eradicated from the body, but flare-ups in the eye can
often be fought off with antiviral medications. The problem may recur.
Serious diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis need to be
treated for the body as a whole before eye problems will clear up.
There's not much you can do to avoid a disease like histoplasmosis, unless
you avoid river valleys. You'll notice, however, that a great many eye infections
are actually complications of sexually transmitted or genital diseases such
as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, crab lice, herpes simplex, thrush, and hepatitis
B.
You can cut your risk of eye infection by observing safe sexual practices.
That means using condoms, and, ideally, limiting your number of sexual partners.
Just as important is to get checked for STDs regularly, since many of these
diseases can go unnoticed until damage has been done, and you can infect other
people. If you do have one of these diseases, keep your hands clean and away
from your eyes.
The same is true of cold sores, shingles, chickenpox, measles, mumps, flu, and
the common cold. All of these diseases produce spots, rashes, or mucus that
carry the organism. Wash your hands frequently and don't touch your eyes. Watch
children carefully, and never let them wipe their nose with an upward stroke
of the hand.
If you or a member of your family has an eye infection you should use separate
linens and a fresh facecloth and towel for each cleaning. Cosmetics may be a
source of reinfection, so avoid them if possible if you have eye problems. Be
sure to clean the eye area, especially before applying any medication and when
there is any type of discharge from the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, care for them and throw them away according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
Watch for tree branches and twigs when walking in the woods. Getting scratched
on the eye by organic matter is another way of getting a fungal eye infection.
Finally, avoid excessive sun exposure, as this can weaken the protective layer
of the eye.