Vision Care Services

Eye Infections

Eye infections need fast, accurate treatment.

Most eye infections clear up quickly with the right treatment, but some, such as an infection of the cornea, can scar the eye and affect vision if treatment is delayed.

Dr. Tumolo and Dr. Than are optometric physicians licensed in Florida to prescribe medicated eye drops and oral medications, so treatment can usually start the same day.

Same-day care: pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision or a white spot on the eye, especially if you wear contact lenses, should be seen today.

Contact lens infectionsCorneal ulcers (keratitis) can start within hours. Remove your lenses and call us.

Shingles and cold soresShingles or herpes near the eye can affect the cornea. Antiviral treatment works best when started early.

Eyelid infectionsStyes and eyelid infections are treated with warm compresses and prescription medication when needed.

Infections we treat

Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye with discharge). Pink eye and red eye.
Corneal ulcers and keratitis, often linked to sleeping or swimming in contact lenses.
Herpes simplex and shingles (herpes zoster) affecting the eyelids or eye.
Styes and eyelid infections. Styes and chalazion.
Preseptal (eyelid) cellulitis, a spreading infection of the eyelid skin.

How we treat it

Our doctors examine the eye under a slit lamp microscope with special dyes to see the cornea clearly, then start treatment, which can include antibiotic or antiviral eye drops, ointments and oral medication. We see you again to make sure the infection is clearing.

Go to the emergency room if

Your eye is bulging, it hurts to move your eye, or your vision drops along with a swollen eyelid and fever. This can be a deeper infection behind the eye (orbital cellulitis).

Common questions

How do I know if my contact lens is causing an infection?

Warning signs are pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge or a white spot on the colored part of the eye. Remove your lenses right away, do not wear them again, and call us the same day. Bring your lenses and case.

Can shingles affect my eyes?

Yes. Shingles on the forehead, around the eye or on the tip of the nose can involve the eye. Antiviral treatment is most effective when started early, so call us if you have a shingles rash near your eye.

Can you prescribe oral antibiotics or antivirals?

Yes. Dr. Tumolo and Dr. Than are optometric physicians licensed in Florida to prescribe medicated eye drops and oral medications, so treatment can usually start the same day.

Should I use leftover eye drops?

No. Old or someone else's drops may be the wrong medicine, and some steroid drops can make certain infections worse. Call us first.