Eye Infection Treatment: What Works, What to Avoid, and How to Stay Safe

When your eye feels red, gritty, or painful, you’re likely dealing with an eye infection, an inflammation or invasion of the eye by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that requires targeted treatment. Also known as conjunctivitis, it can spread quickly and worsen if ignored—especially in kids or contact lens wearers. Not all red eyes are the same. Some are mild and clear up on their own. Others need prescription drops or even oral meds. The wrong treatment can make things worse, especially if you use steroid drops like FML Forte, a corticosteroid eye drop used to reduce inflammation but dangerous if used without diagnosis on a viral or bacterial infection.

Most common eye infections are bacterial and respond well to antibiotic eye drops, medicated solutions that kill or stop the growth of bacteria causing the infection. These are usually quick, effective, and safe when used as directed. But if your infection is linked to allergies or autoimmune issues, your doctor might reach for an anti-inflammatory like eye inflammation treatments such as non-steroidal drops or low-dose steroids. The key is knowing the cause. Using steroids when there’s an active virus—like herpes—can lead to permanent damage. That’s why self-diagnosing with over-the-counter drops is risky.

Some people try home remedies like warm compresses or tea bags, which can help with mild irritation. But if symptoms last more than two days, get worse, or affect your vision, you need a professional. Eye infections can spread to the cornea or even the brain in rare cases. What works for one person might harm another—especially if you’re on other meds or have conditions like diabetes. That’s why a proper diagnosis matters more than quick fixes.

Below, you’ll find real, practical breakdowns of treatments doctors actually use—from how FML Forte stacks up against alternatives, to why some eye drops are safer than others, and what to do if your infection doesn’t clear up. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what you need to know to protect your vision and avoid costly mistakes.