HomeAnswersOphthalmology (Eye Care)eye infectionMy eye infection is not subsiding even after a week. Why?

Why is the eye infection not subsiding even after one week?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 17, 2018
Reviewed AtJanuary 4, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had an eye infection for over a week. It started in my left eye. Some days seem better than others. Have had constant draining and has spread to both eyes (initial eye worse than the second). I am on Polymyxin B that was prescribed after the first prescription but did not work. It is really frustrating. Is this length of symptoms without improvement a cause for concern or should I be patient with it? When can I expect improvement?

Answered by Dr. Vaibhev Mittal

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please do not worry. Infections take time to resolve.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply. Just worries me that there is not much improvement in eight days and swelling has not subsided.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhev Mittal

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

This looks like pink eyes or conjunctivitis (attachment removed to protect patient identity). This usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for full resolution. Cold compresses will help. What did your ophthalmologist say about the infection? Do you have any medical records?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

He initially thought it was bacterial when I was examined but after two different doses of drops did notwork, he thought viral. It has just been constant swelling and draining which worried me, but if you think that it is part of the process and the time frame does not worry, I will be patient. I, unfortunately, do not have any medical records but nothing serious on my record and not on any medicines other than antibiotics. Would you advise to keep using drops even though no improvement?

Answered by Dr. Vaibhev Mittal

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

This looks viral. Bacterial infection has a lot of swelling, discharge, pain, etc. Viral takes 2 to 3 weeks for resolution. You can discuss adding soft steroid like Fluorometholone along with antibiotic eyedrop like Moxifloxacin with your ophthalmologist. Also, do cold compresses.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vaibhev Mittal
Dr. Vaibhev Mittal

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

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