Dorothy FarrarAbscess on the eye
Abscesses appear on all parts of the human body, especially on the places that are contact zones of bacteria. The eye is rarely affected by abscesses, but medical studies confirm their occurrence. An abscess on the eye is not only a problem from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a physical point of view. Many blood and lymphatic vessels converge in the face. The brain is not far away and the respiratory tract can also accelerate rapid spread.
What is an eye abscess?
An abscess is a self-contained sac of pus that has formed in body tissues. Abscesses are not pimples that have gotten too big, but infectious diseases that have spread into the tissue from the outside . Abscesses are everywhere and in many cases are very difficult to detect. In the eye, on the other hand, abscesses are often very easy to diagnose. If the pus is near the surface and is visible, doctors speak of a furuncle.
If an abscess spreads into the interior of the body, this form is called a fistula . Although abscesses are distinct, self-contained systems, on rare occasions they can become life-threatening. There is a risk that the pus inside the abscess will spill into neighboring cavities, the lymphatic system or the bloodstream. Then there is a threat of infectious diseases up to severe blood poisoning . If you suspect an abscess, see your doctor immediately.
Causes
Bacteria that live on the skin can get inside the body through small injuries, splinters, insect bites , but also simple skin irritations. Inflammation in neighboring parts of the body can also be a cause. The bacteria can get into the eyes via the lymph or via the respiratory tract. They settle under the skin in the tissue. Here they damage the tissue and decompose it. The body responds with its immune system and tries to fight the dead cells and bacteria. This creates pus that cannot drain.To prevent further spread, this pus bag is encapsulated. There is now a sac in the body tissue that is filled with bacteria, pus, dead cells and decomposing fluid. Over time, the bacteria can penetrate the membrane and open up neighboring cavities. This is where new abscesses can form. If the pus gets into the bloodstream, there is a risk of blood poisoning. But even as a normal capsule, the abscess can already severely affect the patient’s everyday life.
When to the doctor?
In the event of a noticeable tissue change in the eye, a doctor should always be consulted if it lasts for several days. In many cases, the changes recede on their own within a short period of time, so that a doctor’s visit is not necessary. However, if this does not happen, if there is an increase in the change or if further swelling occurs, then a doctor’s visit is necessary.
If the abscess is leaking fluid or pus, it should be examined by a doctor. If pus gets into the bloodstream, the risk of blood poisoning increases. For this reason, a timely visit to the doctor is recommended. If the abscess on the eye causes a restricted field of vision, a doctor should be consulted. The general accident risk is increased and perception deficits occur. Appropriate treatment measures must be taken to alleviate the symptoms.
With an increased body temperature and a persistent general malaise, it is advisable if a doctor is consulted. Pain in the eye or face should be clarified by a doctor. Emotional impairments, shame or a reduction in self-esteem should be presented to a doctor as soon as the person concerned begins to suffer. Redness, headaches , facial tightness, and itching should be evaluated and treated by a doctor.
Symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of an abscess on the eye:
- swollen eye
The symptoms of the abscess are often indistinguishable from simple infections. After the infection, the pus sac forms, which can lead to severe swelling in the eye. Depending on the position, the skin bulges and becomes reddened. The pus sac can be felt by touch. The abscess is tender and accompanied by severe pain. If it is very close to the surface, the pus bag can also break through the skin.
In contrast to the small acne pimples , it is difficult to open. Above all, this is to be avoided. If the abscess is deeper inside the body, patients cannot see it. Severe pain, a bulging eyeball, and fever and malaise are strong indicators of an abscess. Patients who have had minor skin injuries should consult a doctor if these symptoms occur.
If the abscess is left untreated and grows larger, it can lead to severe impairment of the visual system. Patients can no longer move their eyes properly. If this is the case, there is an urgent need for action. The abscess may also develop into a fistula. There is also a risk of spreading the infection to the brain. There is acute danger to life. If it spreads into the bloodstream, it can lead to blood poisoning.
Diagnosis
A doctor can determine if the abscess is an abscess based on a visual diagnosis. A palpation of the swollen region already offers the first clues for this diagnosis. An intensive discussion with the patient is often conducted in order to be able to determine the causes. Although it is a bacterial infection, how the bacteria get into the body has not yet been adequately explained scientifically. If the abscess is deeper, computer tomography images are taken in addition to blood tests . On these three-dimensional images of the head, the doctor can see whether it is an abscess and whether it is encapsulated or has expanded into a fistula. Depending on the patient’s history, further examinations may be added.
Complications
An abscess can be inherently painful. This condition can worsen, which also increases sensitivity to pressure. A superficial abscess is easy to recognize and can break through the skin. However, it is usually very difficult to open. Abscesses that do not appear on the surface are often accompanied by fever and malaise. Both symptoms can worsen if left untreated. At the latest, a doctor should be consulted. An abscess in the eye that is not treated can severely impair vision as the eye can no longer move properly. If the field of vision is restricted, immediate treatment should be given.
If it is not an encapsulated abscess, it may develop into a fistula. In addition, the infection can spread to the brain, which can lead to acute danger to life. If the bloodstream is affected by such a bacterial infection, there is a risk of blood poisoning. If an abscess is removed surgically, which is carried out under general anesthesia because of the neighboring nerve tracts, there is a risk that the abscess will spill into the neighboring tissue. Because there is a risk of reinfection, the small wound is not sewn up. Rather, to avoid it, it is rinsed several times and treated with antibacterial wipes. It cannot be ruled out that a small scar will remain.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment is through surgery. Pull ointments only help if the abscess is very close to the surface and, above all, not very advanced. In most cases, surgical intervention is required. Since there are many nerve tracts running along the eye and the abscess could spread into neighboring tissue, this procedure is often performed under general anesthesia. This is more comfortable for the patient. During the procedure, the doctor will open the abscess on the eye with a small puncture and drain the pus. He then removes the dead tissue and rinses the area with antibacterial agents.
To prevent the infection from flaring up, the wound is not sewn up but left open. More flushing is done and antibacterial wipes are placed in the cavity. The wound is usually very small and will heal on its own. However, a small scar may remain. Once the abscess has healed, the doctor may do other treatments to treat the cause. In advanced abscesses, antibacterial treatment of the patient may also be necessary. With proper treatment, the abscess heals within two weeks.
Prevention
Prevention is difficult because it is a bacterial infection. The area around the eyes is very sensitive and generally needs to be protected from injury.
In the case of skin irritations and injuries, but also insect bites, doctors recommend intensive cleaning of the area to prevent bacteria from penetrating. In general, a healthy lifestyle – and thus a healthy immune system – supports the fight against bacteria.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.