Dear Doctor,

In December, I had eye pains and after treatment on eyedrops for a month, it was recommended I get on specs. However, by then, I had what the doctor said was an eye infection. In the mornings, I would wake up with some dry pus allover my left eye. Another eyedrop was prescribed and it seemed to help, but now that it is finished, the pain is back and the pus too. What could be such an infection and do I need to use eyedrops like forever now?

Edwin, Remera

Dear Edwin, 

The relapse of eye infection suggests that either  the infection has not been cleared suitably or there is some other predisposing condition for your infection. Hope there is no visual problem. Because in case of reduced vision, the individual tends to rub his eyes frequently predisposing to infection. 

Some sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia and gonococcal infections can infect the eyes as well due to autoinoculation by contaminated finger. Diabetes and HIV are conditions which reduce immunity and increase susceptibility to infections. 

Exclude diabetes by doing blood glucose. If any STD is present, take adequate treatment for it. A culture done of the eye discharge can reveal causative germs and suitable antibiotic which can help in cure. Some infections like trachoma caused by Chlamydia need longer duration of treatment.