Bacterial eye infection
Fight the symptoms, order eye infection treatment online.
Secure delivery
UK clinicians
A bacterial eye infection refers to an eye infection that is caused by the presence of bacteria. The most common bacteria known to cause conjunctivitis are Haemophilus influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. These create an inflammation of the tissue inside the eyelid and on the surface of the eye.
Bacterial eye infections can cause itchy and watering eyes, a discharge of mucus, or a sticky coating on your eyelashes.
Bacterial eye infections are very common, and affect nearly all of us at some point, though some people can be more prone to them than others. You may be more at risk if you:
It’s difficult to prevent a bacterial eye infection, but there are some things you can do to lessen your chances of picking one up. For example, maintaining good hygiene, regularly washing your pillows and towels, and keeping your contact lenses clean (wearing them as directed) can help lessen your chances of catching an infection.
It’s always good practice to avoid sharing makeup too, and avoid people who currently have conjunctivitis (if you do come into contact with someone who has it, wash your hands thoroughly), whilst also maintaining good overall health.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
The causes of bacterial eye infection may vary, but they may be triggered by:
Eye infections can be caused by different bacteria, sometimes causing different symptoms. For instance, conjunctivitis caused by the Morax-Axenfeld diplobacilli bacteria often lasts much longer than other forms of bacterial conjunctivitis and may require further treatment. However, bacterial eye infections are most commonly caused by bacteria similar to that which causes respiratory infections.
By extension, there are several types of conjunctivitis, such as allergic conjunctivitis’ which can be caused by:
Symptoms of an eye infection will differ depending on the cause of infection. However, common symptoms of bacterial eye infections include redness and swelling, caused by the inflammation of the blood vessels in the thin layer of cells that cover the eyes, and unusual discharge. There is also sometimes a gritty or scratchy feeling. Symptoms tend to be experienced in just one eye to begin with, but usually affect both eyes within several hours.
Some bacterial eye infections can have serious complications if not treated. Conjunctivitis, for example, can lead to complications, depending on whether it’s infective or allergic conjunctivitis. There's special concern around bacterial conjunctivitis that's caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can threaten vision. Infective conjunctivitis, if left untreated, can lead to meningitis, or blood poisoning (septicemia), among other things. Another complication known as bacterial keratitis (bacterial infection of the cornea) can cause blindness if left untreated. If there are changes in your vision, you should get in touch with a clinician immediately.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
ICON: Diagnosis and management of allergic conjunctivitis. Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 124(2), 118–134.
Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database.
Chlamydial eye infections: Current perspectives. Indian journal of ophthalmology, 65(2), 97–102.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielRegistered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet SanjedaRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet CraigRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070338)
Meet RuaraidhAlways read the leaflet that comes with your medication and tell us about any side effects you get.
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
Here are some other things we can help with.
Choose from our range of tablets and solutions. Get ongoing care and support from our experts.
Stop smoking treatments that can help you kick the habit forever, and reduce your risk of disease.
Tablets or injections. Tailored weight loss treatments combined with ongoing support from our experts.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
We couldn't find what you're looking for.
Here's everything we treat. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something.
If you made a mistake on the gender selection, you can amend this by pressing 'Cancel' below and changing your gender. If you entered the correct gender but made a mistake on the treatment category selection, you can choose a different category by pressing 'Choose other treatment' below.
You have recently requested a change to your treatment plan which is under review.
We'll let you know once our clinician has reviewed your request.
Our prescriber has already made treatment suggestions for you
You can view and select an option from your account.
You already have treatment for under review.
You have a consultation being reviewed. Our prescriber will contact you soon.
You already have a treatment plan for on pause. You can restart or make changes to this from your account.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Your order is on hold because we need to verify your identity.
You have an order on hold because we couldn’t take your payment. To continue, please add a new payment method.