What are the Symptoms of a Staph Eye Infection?

The common symptoms of a staph eye infection are styes, large blisters are bumps in or around the eye, pain, swelling, tearing, and redness. Bumps may be red, yellow, or purple in color and they are often very sore to the touch. Pus may become apparent within several days in the center of these masses or they may begin to drain pus combined with blood and sometimes an amber colored liquid.

Staph eye infection can occur in one of several areas of the eye. A stye is a small yellow or white bump which generally occurs on the eyelid, while dacryocystitis refers to an infected tear duct. Bumps may also occur in either corner of the eye or even on the whites of the eyeball itself. Blisters, called blebs, may also form when the eye is either injured or after surgery.

Most staph infections cause pain and a hot sensation in the affected area. Sometimes swelling becomes so severe that movement of the eye becomes limited. Vision may also be affected if the infection is not treated promptly. There are various treatment options available for a staph infection in the eye.

One of the most commonly used treatments for a staph eye infection is antibiotics. This refers to medications used to kill the bacteria. Some medication-resistant strains of bacteria may be harder to treat, but they can often be alleviated when treated early. Antibiotics may be given orally, or an antibiotic ointment may be given to put directly on the infected area.

Many patients are also advised to put a warm compressed on the infected bumps or sties in order to draw pus and fluid to the surface and to soften the tissues. This often allows them to drain on their own and heal. If they do not eventually drain, a doctor’s assistance may be required. He or she can lance, or cut open, the wound to allow the contents to drain.

Patients should keep an open or draining wound covered as much as possible because the contents are highly contagious and could cause an infection elsewhere. A patch may be worn over the eye to avoid leakage. It is important to never squeeze, poke, or try and “pop” and unopened mass on the eye because this could move bacteria into the bloodstream and cause serious complications. It may also lead to additional infections within the eye. In very rare cases the eye may be permanently damaged or infection may recur.