Eye infection in Oslo

An eye infection can cause red, watery, itchy or sore eyes. It is often caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies and may resolve on its own, but some symptoms should be assessed by a doctor.

At Easy Clinic in Majorstuen, you can book a doctor’s appointment if you have red eyes, discharge, swelling, burning or other eye symptoms.

For a life-threatening illness or severe symptoms, call 113. If you need urgent medical help that cannot wait, contact the public out-of-hours medical service on 116 117.

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woman with an eye infection

What is an eye infection?

An eye infection, often called conjunctivitis or pink eye, is an inflammation of the membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.

It may affect one or both eyes and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies or irritation from dust, smoke or a foreign object.

Common symptoms of an eye infection

An eye infection may cause:
Red or watery eyes
Burning, itching or irritation
A gritty or foreign-body sensation in the eye
White, yellow or green discharge
Eyelids sticking together
Swelling around the eye
Increased tearing
Mild sensitivity to light
Symptoms vary depending on what is causing the inflammation.

Common causes of eye infections

An eye infection may be caused by:
Viral infection
Bacterial infection
Allergy
A cold or another respiratory infection
Dry eyes
Contact lenses
Smoke, dust or chemical irritation
Debris or a foreign object in the eye
Viral and bacterial eye infections may spread through hands, towels, pillows and other objects that come into contact with the eyes.

What can you do yourself?

For mild symptoms, you can:
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid rubbing your eyes
Gently clean away discharge with clean water
Use a separate towel
Avoid sharing eye makeup or towels
Stop wearing contact lenses temporarily
Discard eye makeup that may be contaminated
Good hand hygiene can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to other people or from one eye to the other.

When should you contact a doctor?

Contact a doctor if:
The symptoms are severe or getting worse
There is a large amount of discharge from the eye
The symptoms do not improve after a few days
You have significant swelling around the eye
You wear contact lenses and develop a red or painful eye
You have something in your eye
The symptoms keep returning
An infant has a red eye or discharge from the eye
The doctor can assess whether your symptoms are caused by a virus, bacteria, an allergy or another eye condition.

Severe eye symptoms

Seek urgent medical help if you develop:
Severe pain inside the eye
Sudden reduction or change in vision
Marked sensitivity to light
A very red and painful eye
An eye injury or chemicals in the eye
Difficulty opening or moving the eye
Severe swelling together with fever
Rapid worsening of symptoms
These symptoms may be caused by a more serious eye condition and require prompt assessment.

Contact the public out-of-hours medical service on 116 117 if the problem cannot wait. Call 113 if the condition appears life-threatening.

Examination and treatment

The doctor will ask when your symptoms started, whether one or both eyes are affected, and whether you have pain, discharge, sensitivity to light or changes in vision.

If necessary, the doctor may:
Examine the eye and eyelids
Assess your vision
Look for discharge, swelling or foreign objects
Assess whether the symptoms are caused by an infection or allergy
Assess whether eye drops or other treatment are needed
Refer you to an ophthalmologist or hospital if necessary
Treatment depends on the cause. Antibiotics do not work against viruses and are not needed for every eye infection.

Doctor for eye infection in Majorstuen

At Easy Clinic, you can book a doctor’s appointment if you have red, watery or sore eyes, discharge, swelling or other eye symptoms.

We are centrally located in Majorstuen, Oslo. The doctor will assess whether you need treatment, further examinations or a referral.

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Frequently asked questions about eye infections in Oslo

Is an eye infection contagious?

Eye infections caused by viruses or bacteria may be contagious. Good hand hygiene and separate towels can reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Do you need antibiotics for an eye infection?

Not always. Many cases are caused by viruses or allergies. The doctor will assess whether antibiotic eye drops may be needed.

Can I wear contact lenses with an eye infection?

You should generally avoid contact lenses while the eye is red or inflamed. Contact lens wearers with pain or changes in vision should be assessed promptly.

When is a red eye serious?

Severe pain, sensitivity to light, changes in vision or a very red eye may indicate another, more serious eye condition and should be assessed promptly.

Can I book a doctor’s appointment for an eye infection?

Yes. You can book an appointment at Easy Clinic if you would like a medical assessment of red, sore or inflamed eyes.
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Easy Clinic offers fast and accessible medical care with short waiting times. You can easily book an appointment online, by phone, or come in for a drop-in consultation.

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Sun: Closed
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