Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Buğra Duman “Infectious eye diseases pose not only an individual but also a social risk. It is of great importance to know the ways of prevention, to recognize the symptoms early and to start treatment on time.”

Eye infections are among the health problems that are common in the society and significantly affect the quality of life of individuals. Stating that eye infections caused by microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) are contagious, Op. Dr. Buğra Duman said that attention should be paid to hygiene and common items such as pillows, towels and make-up materials should be separated. He also advised to pay attention to areas at risk of infection, such as pools and dirty municipal water.

Most Common Infectious Eye Diseases
Explaining that infectious eye diseases are caused by the infection of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) into the eye tissues, Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Buğra Duman said, “These diseases usually occur with symptoms such as redness, watering, itching, stinging and burring in the eye.” He listed the most common infectious eye diseases as follows:

Conjunctivitis occurs when the membrane covering the white part of the eye becomes inflamed and usually manifests itself with uncomfortable symptoms such as redness, itching, watering and burring. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common health problems in society. It is an important issue in terms of both individual and public health and can be effectively managed with early diagnosis and treatment. The first type of the disease, bacterial conjunctivitis, is characterized by burring, yellowish-green discharge and swelling of the eyelids. It is especially common in children. The other type, viral conjunctivitis, is highly contagious and often causes outbreaks.

Keratitis is an infection of the cornea and can cause severe vision loss. Bacteria, viruses (such as herpes simplex), fungi or parasites (Acanthamoeba) can cause this infection. It is characterized by symptoms such as pain in the eye, light sensitivity, blurred vision and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Trachoma is a disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, usually in areas with limited access to clean water. If left untreated, it can cause scar tissue to form on the inside of the eyelids and damage the cornea.

Which Age Groups and Who is at Risk?
Pointing out that infectious eye diseases can be seen in all age groups, Op. Dr. Duman stated that some individuals and groups are at higher risk. He said: “Identifying these groups is of great importance in terms of taking early treatment and prevention measures. Children are particularly susceptible to infectious eye diseases. The main reasons for this are that they do not fully comply with hygiene rules and are in crowded environments such as schools. Older people are more susceptible to infectious eye diseases due to weakened immune systems. With age, the body becomes less resistant to disease, which can lead to more serious consequences of eye infections. In addition, eye infections can become more complicated in older people, as they may also have other health problems related to eye health (for example, cataracts or glaucoma). Contact lens wearers are more prone to infectious eye diseases. Inadequate contact lens cleaning, poor hygiene or prolonged contact lens wear can predispose to bacterial and viral eye infections. Individuals with weakened immune systems are more at risk of infectious eye diseases. This group includes HIV/AIDS patients, people undergoing cancer treatment, diabetics and organ transplant recipients. Particularly at high risk of infectious eye diseases are teachers, healthcare workers and people working in public transport. They come into contact with a large number of people every day, which can lead to the rapid spread of eye infections. Infectious eye diseases can spread rapidly, especially in crowded and unhygienic environments. In schools, workplaces and hospitals, such infections can lead to outbreaks. Therefore, early diagnosis and isolation play a critical role in preventing the spread of infections. When symptoms appear, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately and regular eye examinations should be performed once a year.”

February 2025