Bacterial eye infection
Eye drop treatments for soreness and inflammation.
Secure delivery 
UK cliniciansHere’s what's included in the price:
Consultation
Answer a few questions about your health so we can get to know you better.
Free 24h delivery
Your treatment delivered in secure packaging, the very next day.
Aftercare
We’ll check in with you regularly to see how your treatment is going.
Buy eye infection treatment online.
Here’s what's included in the price:
Consultation
Answer a few questions about your health so we can get to know you better.
Free 24h delivery
Your treatment delivered in secure packaging, the very next day.
Aftercare
We’ll check in with you regularly to see how your treatment is going.
Eye infection (bacterial)
What is a bacterial eye infection?
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.
Who gets bacterial eye infections?
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:
- are a child or are elderly (possibly because children encounter infections at school, and elderly people tend to have a weakened immune system due to their age)
- have recently suffered from an upper respiratory tract infection, like a cold
- have diabetes and other conditions that can weaken the immune system and make you more vulnerable to picking up an infection
- are currently prescribed steroids (these can weaken the immune system)
- have blepharitis (a condition which causes an inflammation of the eyelids)
- have been in a crowded space like a busy bus or a train
How can I prevent getting a bacterial eye infection?
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.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on August 02, 2022. Next review due on August 01, 2024.
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.
Eye infection (bacterial)
What causes bacterial eye infections?
The causes of bacterial eye infection may vary, but they may be triggered by:
- bacteria, such as the strains that are often found in ear and lung infections
- bacteria which cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like gonorrhoea or chlamydia
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:
- pollen
- dust mites
- contact lenses
- chlorinated water
found in swimming pools - certain shampoos
- fumes or smoke
- stray eyelashes which rub against the conjunctiva (tissue that covers the white area of the eye and the inside of the eyelids)
What are the symptoms of bacterial eye infections?
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.
Can bacterial eye infections lead to other problems?
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.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on August 02, 2022. Next review due on August 01, 2024.
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.
Eye infection (bacterial)
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on August 02, 2022. Next review due on August 01, 2024.
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.
Reference Popover #ref1
Treated trusted source
Bielory, L., Delgado, L., Katelaris, C. H., Leonardi, A., Rosario, N., & Vichyanoud, P. (2020).
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.
Reference Popover #ref2
Treated trusted source
Sheikh A, Hurwitz B. (2006)
Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database.
Reference Popover #ref3
Treated trusted source
Satpathy, G., Behera, H. S., & Ahmed, N. H. (2017).
Chlamydial eye infections: Current perspectives. Indian journal of ophthalmology, 65(2), 97–102.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on August 02, 2022. Next review due on August 01, 2024.
Search
Close search
Eye infections: Here's what we've got.
Azyter
AzithromycinSingle-dose antibiotic eye drop that targets bacterial infections.
- Starting from £36.95
Exocin Eye Drops
OfloxacinAntibacterial drops applied directly to affected eyes. Can be used every 2-4 hours.
- Starting from £26.95
Get your treatment
Ciloxan Eye Drops
CiprofloxacinEffective antibiotics for bacterial eye infections. Use one or two drops, four times a day.
- Starting from £32.95
Get your treatment
Chloramphenicol
ChloramphenicolFast-relieving antibiotic ointment for mild bacterial conjunctivitis (eye infection).
- Starting from £26.95
Get your treatment
Fusidic Acid
Fusidic AcidViscous eye drops that kill germs and treat infections.
- Starting from £88.95
Get your treatment
Moxivig Eye Drops
MoxifloxacinTreat bacterial eye infections with anti-infective eye drops.
- Starting from £42.95
Get your treatment
Your partners in health
Dr Daniel Atkinson
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielMs Sanjeda Chowdhury
Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet SanjedaMr Craig Marsh
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet Craig
Some treatments can cause side effects
Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and tell us about any side effects you get.
Choose how you do healthcare.
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Consult on your own time
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Treatments to fit your life
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
Your health,
continued
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.
Control at your fingertips
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
More general health
Here are some other things we can help with.
Fungal nail
Choose from our range of tablets and solutions. Get ongoing care and support from our experts.
Stop smoking
Stop smoking treatments that can help you kick the habit forever, and reduce your risk of disease.
Weight loss
Tablets or injections. Tailored weight loss treatments combined with ongoing support from our experts.
Give us the inbox treatment.
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.
