What is an eye infection?

An eye infection occurs when harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi infect the eye. The most common eye infection is pink eye (conjunctivitis), often caused by viruses but also by bacteria. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, which only target bacterial infections. Eye infections can affect one or both eyes and range from mild to severe. While some infections may not cause serious harm, others can lead to vision loss and require immediate medical attention. These infections can impact different parts of the eye, and the treatment depends on the type of microorganism causing the infection.