Maybe your eyes are itchy and they’re starting to turn a shade of pink. Could it be an infection, you wonder? Your doctor can make the final call, but there are key signs to watch for that can give you clues.
An infection in your eye can show up in many different ways. A lot depends on which part of your eye has the problem. For instance, you can get symptoms in your:
- Eyelid
- Cornea (clear surface that covers the outside of your eye)
- Conjunctiva (thin, moist area that covers the inside of the eyelids and an outer layer of your eye)
Symptoms of an Eye Infection
You may have symptoms in one or both eyes when you have an infection. Look out for this kind of trouble:
How your eye feels. You may notice problems like:
- Pain or discomfort
- Itchy eyes
- Feeling that something’s on or in your eye
- Eye hurts when it’s bright (light sensitivity)
- Burning in your eyes
- Small, painful lump under your eyelid or at the base of your eyelashes
- Eyelid is tender when you touch it
- Eyes won’t stop tearing up
- Irritation in your eyes