eye with fever

Overview

An eye with fever usually points to an infection. This can be a mild infection of the surface of the eye, or something more serious affecting the deeper tissues and eyelids. Fever is the body's way of fighting infection. When your eye is red, painful, swollen, or has discharge and you also have a fever, it is important to get checked by a healthcare professional.

Eye infections that cause a fever are not very common, but they do occur. The most frequent type is a spreading infection from the sinuses, especially in children.

It can affect anyone, including babies and older adults. People with weak immune systems or with sinus disease, and those who wear contact lenses, are more at risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever
• Redness in the white part of the eye
• Eye pain or a feeling of pressure
• Swelling of the eyelid
• Watery or thick discharge from the eye
• Sensitivity to light

Symptoms in children

• Children may cry more, rub their eyes, or say their eye hurts
• Eyelid swelling may be more obvious, and the fever may be higher
• They may refuse to eat or play, and seem generally unwell

Symptoms in older adults

• Vision changes may be the first sign
• Swelling may be less obvious, but they may feel more confused or sleepy
• They may have more pain or a feeling that something is in the eye

Causes

Main causes

• Bacterial infection of the eye or tissues around it
• Viral infection, such as a severe cold, adenovirus, or measles
• Sinus infection (sinusitis) spreading to the area around the eye
• Injury or foreign object in the eye that becomes infected

Risk factors

• Recent upper respiratory infection or cold
• Chronic sinus problems
• Contact lens use, especially with poor hygiene
• Weakened immune system from illness or treatment
• Not cleaning your hands before touching your eyes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a fever plus any of the emergency symptoms listed above, seek emergency care immediately
• If your eye is very swollen, painful, or you have vision changes, see a doctor today

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a red or watery eye with a mild fever, and you feel otherwise well, make an appointment within 24 hours

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and how they started. They will look closely at your eye, your eyelid, and around the eye, and check your face and neck for tenderness.

Tests that may be done

• Eye exam with a light to check the surface of the eye and the pupil
• A swab of any discharge to test for bacteria or viruses
• Blood tests to look for signs of infection
• A scan of the eye and sinuses (like a CT scan) if a deeper infection is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The eye exam is generally not painful, though you may feel a little discomfort if your eye is sore. The doctor will explain what they are doing. If you need a swab or blood test, those are quick and safe.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotic medicine (as drops or tablets) is typically used. If it is viral, the body often fights the infection on its own, but your doctor may give you medicine to calm the symptoms. Pain relief can help with fever and discomfort. It is important to finish the full course of any prescribed medicine, even if you start feeling better.

Self-care at home

• Rest your eyes and avoid screens as much as you can
• Apply a clean, cool or warm cloth over your closed eyelid for comfort
• Do not share towels, pillows, or makeup
• Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your face
• Remove contact lenses and do not put them back in until your doctor says it is safe

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops, ointments, or oral antibiotics for a bacterial infection. For viral infections, they may recommend supportive care and sometimes antiviral medicine if the cause is known. Steroid drops may be used to reduce inflammation, but never use leftover eye drops without a doctor's advice.

When is surgery considered?

In rare cases, when a pocket of pus (abscess) forms around the eye or sinuses, a doctor might need to drain it with a small surgical procedure.

Living with this condition

While you recover, follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you were given drops, put them in as told. Keep your hands clean and avoid rubbing your eyes. It is normal to feel tired; let your body heal.

Lifestyle tips

• Get plenty of rest and drink fluids to help reduce fever
• Keep your environment smoke-free and well ventilated
• Avoid makeup and contact lenses until fully healed

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet to support your immune system. If you feel up to it, gentle activity is fine, but avoid swimming and heavy exercise until your eye has cleared.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with an eye infection and fever can be worrying, especially if your vision feels odd. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk to your doctor or a trusted person about your concerns.

Prevention

You can lower your chances of eye infections by washing your hands often, not touching your face, keeping contact lenses clean, and staying up to date with recommended vaccines. If you have sinus trouble, treating it early can also help.

Vaccines

Some childhood infections that cause fever and eye symptoms are prevented by routine vaccines, such as measles and rubella. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure about your vaccination status.

Screening programmes

Routine screening is not needed for most people. If you have repeat eye infections, your doctor may suggest a specialist review.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread deeper into the eye or the tissues around the brain
• This can cause permanent vision loss or even a brain infection in rare cases
• A severe sinus infection could lead to an abscess that needs draining

Long-term outlook

With the right medical care, most people with an eye infection and a fever recover completely. If you catch a deeper infection early, treatment is very effective. You are taking a smart step by learning about it and seeking help.

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