Urgent Care for Eye Infection Treatment in Acton, MA

Eye infections can develop quickly and may affect one or both eyes. Common symptoms include redness of the eye or inner eyelid, discomfort, irritation, or a persistent gritty feeling—sometimes described as having something stuck in the eye. Swelling of the eyelids or the area around the eyes is also frequent. You might notice increased tearing or discharge, which could be clear, yellow, green, or pus-like, and may cause your eyelids to stick together, especially in the morning. Other possible symptoms include sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, itching, burning, and, in some cases, pain or difficulty keeping the eye open.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms—especially if they are persistent or getting worse—prompt medical evaluation is important. At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, our experienced providers can assess your eye symptoms, diagnose the cause, and recommend the appropriate treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.

Eye infections happen when harmful microorganisms—such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi—invade any part of the eye or its surrounding tissues. Some of the most common causes include bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, or viruses such as the adenovirus responsible for viral conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye). Fungal or parasitic infections may also occur, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or those who wear contact lenses improperly. It’s important to note that while allergens and irritants may also cause eye discomfort, these do not result in true infections.

Most eye infections, especially viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, can be very contagious. They often spread easily through direct or indirect contact with eye secretions—such as sharing towels, touching contaminated surfaces, or close personal contact. Practicing good hygiene, like frequent hand washing, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and not touching or rubbing your eyes, is key to preventing the spread of infection. Fungal and parasitic eye infections, on the other hand, are less common and typically result from exposure to contaminated water, soil, or improper contact lens care, rather than person-to-person contact.

If you notice symptoms such as redness, swelling, discharge, itching, or pain in your eyes, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, our experienced healthcare providers can quickly diagnose and treat a wide range of eye infections to help prevent complications and relieve your discomfort.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, it can sometimes be difficult to decide whether to treat it at home, see your primary care doctor, or visit urgent care. At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, our experienced providers are equipped to evaluate and treat a wide range of eye infections and related symptoms.

You should consider visiting urgent care for an eye infection if you notice:

• Moderate to severe eye pain
• Significant redness that is spreading
• Swelling around the eye
• Thick, yellow, green, or bloody discharge from the eye

Additionally, if you develop sudden changes in your vision, experience sensitivity to light, or your symptoms are not improving after a day or two of home care, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. You should also come in if:

• You have a fever along with your eye symptoms
• You’ve had a recent injury or a foreign object in your eye
• You wear contact lenses and develop symptoms, as this increases the risk for more serious infections

Our urgent care clinics provide timely evaluation and treatment to help prevent complications and protect your vision.

Two of the most common types are bacterial and viral eye infections. While they can both cause redness, watering, and irritation, there are important differences that affect how they should be treated.

• Bacterial eye infections—often caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae—typically result in a thick, yellow or greenish discharge. You may notice your eyelids sticking together, especially after sleep. Symptoms usually start suddenly and can affect both eyes, although they often begin in just one.

• Viral eye infections—most commonly due to viruses like adenovirus—tend to produce a watery or clear discharge. Symptoms often start in one eye and may spread to the other. Viral infections are frequently milder but can be accompanied by other signs of a viral illness, such as a sore throat, runny nose, or fever.

Treatment differs between these two types. Bacterial infections usually respond well to prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments, which our providers at Acton and Canton Urgent Care can prescribe after a careful evaluation. Viral eye infections, on the other hand, do not benefit from antibiotics. Instead, we recommend supportive care—such as artificial tears and cold compresses—until the infection resolves, which typically happens on its own.

It’s important to note that viral eye infections are especially contagious, spreading quickly in environments like schools and daycare centers. To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, we advise frequent handwashing and avoiding the sharing of towels or pillows.

If you’re dealing with an eye infection, Muhammad Bajwa, MD, at Acton and Canton Urgent Care offers expert care to help diagnose and treat a wide range of eye infections. Whether you’re suffering from conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes, or other common eye conditions, Bajwa provides fast, effective treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. His compassionate approach ensures that every patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs.

At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, Muhammad Bajwa, MD, is dedicated to providing prompt, reliable eye infection treatment in a comfortable, welcoming environment. From diagnosing the cause of your symptoms to providing the appropriate treatment, Muhammad Bajwa, MD ensures a thorough and efficient process. Trust Acton and Canton Urgent Care for fast, professional care to address all your eye infection concerns, ensuring the best possible outcome for your health.

If you or your child is experiencing severe, persistent, or worsening eye symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit Acton and Canton Urgent Care. Our experienced medical team can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment to help you recover quickly and comfortably. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We Are Located at 100 Powder Mill Rd, Acton, MA 01720. We serve patients from Acton MA, Maynard MA, Stow MA, Concord MA, Sudbury MA, Boxborough MA, and surrounding areas.