Eye infection treatment in Patong
Eyes are not something to experiment on. A red, sticky, painful eye can be a minor irritation or the start of something that threatens your sight, and the two are not always easy to tell apart. Eye infection treatment in Patong is available 24 hours a day, and we would far rather check an eye that turns out to be fine.
Conjunctivitis
The most common eye problem we see. The white of the eye turns pink or red, there is discharge, and the eye feels gritty rather than deeply painful.
Viral conjunctivitis usually produces watery discharge, often affects both eyes, and frequently comes with a cold. It is very contagious and settles by itself in one to two weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis produces thicker yellow or green discharge that glues the lashes together overnight, and responds to antibiotic drops. Allergic conjunctivitis is itchy above all else, with watery eyes and often sneezing.
The doctor examines the eye and treats accordingly rather than defaulting to antibiotic drops for everything.
Why eyes get infected here
Swimming is the main factor. Pool chemicals irritate the surface of the eye, and sea and pool water introduce organisms. Snorkelling and diving masks that leak add to it, and rubbing your eyes with hands that have been in the sea or on a scooter handlebar does the rest.
Air conditioning dries the eye surface, which makes it more vulnerable, and dust in the dry season irritates further.
Contact lenses need particular care
This deserves emphasis. Do not swim in contact lenses, in the sea or in a pool. Water gets trapped behind the lens and organisms, including acanthamoeba, can cause a corneal infection that is serious and difficult to treat.
If you wear lenses and develop a red painful eye, take the lenses out immediately, keep them, and come in the same day. Do not simply put in a fresh pair and carry on. Contact lens wearers with a red painful eye are treated as urgent here.
Warning signs that need same-day assessment
Come in immediately for pain in the eye rather than irritation, any change or blurring of vision, sensitivity to light, a white spot visible on the coloured part of the eye, severe swelling of the eyelids, or an eye injury with something possibly still in it.
These can indicate a corneal ulcer, iritis or a deeper infection, all of which can damage sight if not treated promptly.
Styes and eyelid infections
A stye is a blocked, infected gland at the lash line, painful and swollen but usually harmless. Warm compresses several times a day is the main treatment, and most settle within a week. Do not squeeze it.
Infection spreading into the eyelid and surrounding tissue is different and more serious, particularly with fever or swelling that closes the eye. That needs antibiotics promptly and sometimes hospital care.
Foreign bodies and welding flash
Sand, grit and metal fragments in the eye are common. We can examine the eye properly, stain it to reveal scratches on the cornea, and remove foreign material safely. Do not rub the eye, which drags the object across the surface.
Common questions about eye infections in Patong
How contagious is conjunctivitis?
Viral conjunctivitis is very contagious. Wash hands frequently, use your own towel, and avoid sharing pillows.
Can I swim with an eye infection?
No. Keep out of pools and the sea until it clears, both for your recovery and for other swimmers.
How much does treatment cost in Patong?
Consultation plus drops or ointment. Message us for a quote.
Can I wear contact lenses again?
Not until the eye is fully healed. The doctor will tell you when it is safe.
Can a doctor come to my hotel?
Yes, though eyes with pain or vision changes are better examined at the clinic.