“Can a bacterial eye infection go away on its own?”
I am a 32 year old female. I want to know if a bacterial eye infection can go away on its own?
11 Answers
A complete ophthalmologic examination should be performed to determine the etiology of your symptoms.
A mild infection can go away. A more severe one will require medical therapy
The human body has natural defenses against most types of microbes, including bacteria. However, the widespread availability of antibiotics vastly improves the chances of successfully destroying the infectious disease before it damages the vulnerable surface and more fragile portions of the eye.
Best Regards,
David J. Pinhas, M.D.
Best Regards,
David J. Pinhas, M.D.
There is a tiny chance that a bacterial infection of the eye might disappear without treatment. Your eye and sight are precious and I would not count on this if you actually have an infection diagnosed. Get it treated!
Can a bacterial infection of the eye go away on its own? If that is your question, then you are a bigger risk taker than I am. Certain things need an overwhelming response. A bacterial infection of the eye is one of those diseases that I want to go away ASAP. BACTERIA can infiltrate into parts of the eye that would prevent the multiple parts from working. I see no reason to withhold antibiotics from being administered to an infected eye.
Yes, mild bacterial conjunctivitis can be cleared by the immune system without the use of antibiotics. However, there are potential complications of bacterial eye infections such as scarring of the cornea or penetration of bacteria inside the eye which could result in vision loss or be more difficult to treat at an advanced stage. It makes sense to treat with an antibiotic eye drop unless there are other factors such as pregnancy where you may want to avoid exposure to most drugs if possible. In that case, even over-the-counter lubricating eye drops contain a preservative called benzalkonium chloride (BAK) that can work like a disinfectant, but is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Also, specially formulated iodine (povidone iodine 5%) can be used as a disinfecting eye drop. It is best to consult your eye doctor to address your particular situation.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Hello,
To answer your question, I would say yes, it can go away on its own. However, I would never recommend waiting to find out. If you are concerned you have an eye infection, you should seek out an evaluation by an ophthalmologist, be treated with appropriate antibiotics, and monitored throughout the course of your recovery. Although not always the case, bacterial eye infections can result in severe and sometimes permanent vision loss. There just isn’t an upside to not seeking out care.
Hope you feel better soon,
Eric Downing, MD
To answer your question, I would say yes, it can go away on its own. However, I would never recommend waiting to find out. If you are concerned you have an eye infection, you should seek out an evaluation by an ophthalmologist, be treated with appropriate antibiotics, and monitored throughout the course of your recovery. Although not always the case, bacterial eye infections can result in severe and sometimes permanent vision loss. There just isn’t an upside to not seeking out care.
Hope you feel better soon,
Eric Downing, MD
Yes, but if it is definitely bacterial, antibiotic drops are indicated. Please see an ophthalmologist. SO
Yes. Virtually all bacterial conjunctivitis will clear without RX. Antibiotic drops however should be routinely emphasize to facilitate more rapid clearing of the infection.
Depends on whether it’s a true infection or just colonization. You need to see a qualified eye care provider to determine which it is.
Alan J. Franklin, MD, PhD
Alan J. Franklin, MD, PhD
Yes, but usually it requires antibiotics.
Dr. LMJ
Dr. LMJ
