Download - Unique Writers Bay

Running head: EYE INFECTIONS
1
Eye Infections
Student’s Name
Tutor
Institution of Affiliation
Date
EYE INFECTIONS
2
Eye infections can be described as being ailments that are primarily caused by either bacterial
or viral agents. Additionally, there also exist some fungal agents that are also responsible for
the cause of eye infections. However it is worth noting that eye infections are caused by
different things that also call for the use of different treatment processes. The eye is a single
unit that is subdivided in to various sections and parts and each section is bound to get
infected at some point in time due to their vulnerability.
The eye infections can either occur on one side or even on both eyes. Moreover, the age of an
individual does not matter when it comes to eye infection. Anyone of any age is vulnerable to
eye infections. Some of the symptoms that can occur in a person who has got infections
include irritations, reduced vision and discharge from the eye. For the above mentioned
symptoms, the treatment process would differ depending on the type of infection and the
cause of that infection.
Causes of eye infection
One of the causes of eye infection is the conjunctivitis that is mostly witnessed among
children especially those in the day care centers as well as classroom environments.
Conjunctivitis is normally a type of infection that is spread in children through the either a
viral or a bacterial process (Adams, 1979). Furthermore, it is possible for kids to pick the
conjunctivitis infections through birth if the parent had been a victim of sexual transmitted
infections at the time of giving birth.
Another cause of eye infection is the lack of enough supply of oxygen to the cornea of the
eye especially for those who wear contact glasses. Additionally, those who use contact lenses
may suffer from eye infections due to the bacteria that build up on their eye contacts lenses
when they are not cleaned up in the correct way as it is required. One of such type of
infections is the trachoma that is mostly witnessed in the developing or third world nations. It
EYE INFECTIONS
3
is believed that the trachoma infections can result at times result in blindness if it is not
handled properly.
There is the viral keratitis that occurs primarily due to the victim getting exposed to the virus
that is known as simplex virus. The fungal keratitis is majorly common for those who use
contact lenses. The fungi that is responsible for the infection is called fusarium fungi that
normally exist in the form of an organic matter. That fungus can find its way into the eye
through injuries like the ones caused by a scratch from a tree branch.
Since there has been a large increase of eye infections especially for those who use contact
lenses, it is appropriate for them to get lessons on how to take care of them through
conducting thorough cleaning. Additionally, the lenses should have the discard date that is
prescribed by the manufacturers. The date of discarding such lenses should be included
alongside the expiration date of the same.
Defense mechanism
The eye is normally capable of defending itself from infections through the use of the eyelids
that serve to protect the eye from ocular surface. The lashes are normally responsible for the
involuntary blinking of the eyes, a process that protects the eye from airborne particles.
Additionally, the blinking of the eye is also triggered by the tactile stimulation of the cornea
of the eye. Apart from that, there are the lipids that are normally secreted through the
meibomaian glands. The glands are responsible for the stability of the tear film (Smolin,
1996). Finally, the eye protects itself from immune diseases through the supply of the
vascular to the front surface of the eye.
EYE INFECTIONS
4
References
Adams A D (1979). The morphology of human conjunctival mucus. Arch Ophthalmol;
97:730–734
Mannis M J, Smolin G (1996). Natural defense mechanism of the ocular surface. Ocular
infection and immunity. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 1996.