Bacterial Eye Infection: What You Need to Know

If you wake up with a red, sticky eye, chances are you’re dealing with a bacterial infection. It’s a common problem that can affect anyone, but the good news is that it’s usually easy to treat. In this guide we’ll walk through what causes it, how to tell it apart from other eye issues, and what you can do at home or with a doctor to get back to clear vision.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Typical signs include redness, a yellow or green discharge, and a gritty feeling like something is stuck in your eye. The eyelids may stick together in the morning, and you might notice swelling around the eye socket. Light sensitivity and mild pain are also common. If you have these symptoms in both eyes, it could be viral instead of bacterial, so keep an eye on how the problem spreads.Another clue is the speed of onset. Bacterial infections often develop quickly, sometimes within a day, whereas allergic reactions may take longer and come with itching.

Treatment Options and Home Care

Most doctors will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. These work fast and usually clear up the infection in a few days. It’s important to finish the whole course even if you feel better early, because stopping too soon can let the bacteria come back.

While you’re using medication, keep the eye clean. Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe away any crusty discharge several times a day. Wash your hands before and after touching the eye area to avoid spreading germs.

If you can’t get a prescription right away, over‑the‑counter lubricating drops can help soothe irritation, but they won’t treat the infection itself. Avoid wearing contact lenses until the doctor says it’s safe, and throw away any lenses that were used during the infection.

Most bacterial eye infections clear up within a week. If you notice worsening redness, increasing pain, vision changes, or the discharge becomes thick and foul‑smelling, seek medical help right away because those could be signs of a more serious problem.

Prevention is simple: wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes with dirty fingers, and don’t share towels or makeup. If you wear contacts, follow the cleaning instructions exactly and replace them as recommended.