Eye Infections
& Red Eyes
Don’t Wait for Urgent Care or Walk-in Clinics. At Helio Optometry, our Edmonton Optometrists Diagnose and Treat Eye Infections Quickly—Often The Same Day.
I Need An Optometrist
Near Me Fast!!!
You woke up with a red, painful, goopy eye. Now you're wondering if you need to see an eye doctor, whether it's contagious, and if it's safe to put your contacts in.
At Helio Optometry, we see eye infections every day. From pink eye (conjunctivitis) and styes to corneal ulcers and contact lens-related infections, our optometrists are trained to diagnose and treat them all, right here in our Edmonton clinic.
If your eye is itchy, red, crusty, swollen, or just doesn't feel right, it's worth getting it checked by someone who specializes in eyes. We'll spot what's going on quickly and treat it properly, without the wait you'd face in an ER.
All of our optometrists are licensed in Alberta to prescribe both topical and oral medications, so you can get the treatment you need in a single visit.
If your eye doesn't feel right, call us. We'll do our best to see you the same day.
Common Eye Infections We Treat in Edmonton
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![Close-up of an eye with an inflamed red bump on the eyelid, possibly a stye.]()
Hordeolum (Styes)
These are painful, red lumps near the edge of the eyelid, typically caused by bacterial infections in an eyelash follicle or oil gland. Styes can cause significant discomfort and swelling.
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![Close-up of a person's hazel eye with visible details of eyelashes and skin texture.]()
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
This infection involves inflammation of the conjunctiva and can be viral, bacterial, or allergic. Symptoms include redness, itching, and discharge.
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![Eye with corneal staining under blue light, showing small spots.]()
Keratitis
An infection or inflammation of the cornea, often caused by bacteria, viruses, dry eye, toxicity or improper contact lens use. Symptoms include pain, redness, and blurred vision.
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![Close-up of a human eye with redness in the whites.]()
Episcleritis
This condition involves inflammation of the episclera, leading to localized redness and discomfort or tenderness in one section of the eye, often without any discharge.
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![Dandelion seeds blowing in the wind against a blue sky with sun rays, above a grassy field.]()
Allergies
Eye allergies typically cause red, itchy, watery eyes and are triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Out optometrists can prescribe topic and oral treatments.
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![Close-up of a human eye with visible eyelashes and details of the iris and sclera.]()
Blepharitis & Demodex
This involves inflammation of the eyelid margins, often due to skin conditions or bacterial infections. It can cause redness, itching, and flaky skin around the eyelids.
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![Close-up of inflamed human eyelid with clogged glands]()
Meibomitis
A type of blepharitis when the meibomian glands in the eyelids become inflamed, often leading to dry eyes, redness, and swelling of the eyelid margins.
Red, Sore, or Irritated Eye?
Book an emergency eye exam with one of our Edmonton optometrists today.
Cost: Covered by Alberta Health Care*
Frequency:Hopefully Never
New patients are always welcome at Helio Optometry. If you're dealing with an eye infection or sudden eye concern, don't hesitate to call us even if you've never been in before. *Most emergency eye visits are covered by Alberta Health Care.
Signs You Should See an Edmonton
Optometrist Clinic Immediately
If you're experiencing any of the following, it's time to book an emergency eye exam:
Redness: Anywhere from mild pinkness to a deep, bloodshot appearance, usually caused by inflammation or irritation of the eye or eyelids.
Pain or discomfort: Can range from a mild irritating sensation to intense pain, either constant or when blinking and touching the eye.
Discharge: May be watery, mucous-like, or pus-like depending on the type of infection, and can range in colour from clear to yellow or green.
Itching and irritation: Common with allergy-related infections, though itchiness isn't always allergy-related. Rubbing tends to make it worse.
Blurred or light-sensitive vision: Infections affecting the cornea or tear film can temporarily reduce vision clarity and cause sensitivity to light.
Swelling: Eyelid swelling is common with styes and blepharitis. In more severe cases, the entire area around the eye may be affected.
Feeling of something in the eye: A foreign body sensation often triggers increased tearing as the eye tries to flush out the perceived irritant.
Crusting or flaking: Discharge that dries overnight can cause crusts or flakes along the lash line, most noticeable in the morning.
Excessive tearing: Watery eyes are a common response to the irritation or inflammation an infection causes.
Sensitivity to light: Some infections make the eyes more sensitive to bright environments, causing discomfort or an urge to squint.
At Helio Optometry, we reserve time each day for same-day or next-day emergency visits, so you’re not left waiting in an ER or walk-in clinic for an issue that truly requires an eye doctor.
New Patients Welcome
Same Day Appointments Available
New patients are always welcome at Helio Optometry. If you're dealing with an eye infection or sudden eye concern, don't hesitate to call us even if you've never been in before.
Most emergency eye visits are covered by Alberta Health Care.
Red eyes and eye infections can stem from several sources, and not all causes are created equal. While some may resolve on their own, others can lead to serious complications—especially if they involve the cornea or inner eye structures.
Here are the most common causes we see at our Edmonton optometry clinic:
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Typically presents with sticky, yellow or green discharge. It’s highly contagious and often spreads quickly in families, schools, and daycares. Requires antibiotic drops or ointments for treatment.Viral Conjunctivitis
Often linked to cold or flu viruses. This kind of “pink eye” is watery, itchy, and usually affects both eyes. It's also very contagious but often resolves on its own. Severe cases may need anti-inflammatory treatment.Allergic Conjunctivitis
Caused by environmental allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or seasonal triggers. Symptoms include intense itching, tearing, and puffy eyelids. Treated with allergy-specific eye drops, oral medications and avoidance strategies.Contact Lens-Related Infections
Improper lens hygiene, sleeping in lenses, or overwearing lenses can lead to corneal infections—some of which are vision-threatening. We regularly treat keratitis (corneal inflammation) and microbial ulcers caused by poor contact lens habits.Styes & Eyelid Infections (Blepharitis)
A stye is a red, painful bump along the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland or bacterial infection. Blepharitis, on the other hand, is a chronic eyelid inflammation that can flare up and become infected.
What Causes Red or Infected Eyes?
How Our Optometrists Diagnose
and Treat Eye Infections
When you visit our Edmonton optometrist clinic for a red or infected eye, you’ll get more than a quick look. Our optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools and protocols to determine the root cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Here’s what sets our clinic apart:
Slit Lamp Microscopy
This microscope allows us to evaluate the front surface of your eye in high detail—helping us detect signs of infection, inflammation, or trauma that others might miss.Optomap Ultra-Widefield Imaging
If your symptoms involve floaters, flashes, or pain, we may take an ultra-wide retinal image to rule out retinal issues. In addition to other traditional testing like 3D OCT Retinal ScansCorneal Staining Techniques
Using a safe dye called fluorescein, we can highlight corneal abrasions, ulcers, or dry spots that could be contributing to your discomfort.In-Office Treatment & Prescriptions
We offer immediate treatment when needed, including prescription eye drops (antibiotics, antivirals, steroids), oral medications, or procedures to remove foreign material.
No referral is needed—just call us or book online, and we’ll get you in as soon as possible.