If you leave an eye infection, thinking it will heal on your own, you may be greatly mistaken. An infection if left without proper treatment, can lead to inflammation and blockage of the eye’s tear drainage system which can lead to dacryocystitis. Dacryocystitis is an infection of the tear sac (medically known as lacrimal sac), this happens when there is a blockage in the tear duct. However, an infection can also be an underlying cause of a corneal ulcer, which also resembles similarities to an abscess on the eye. If left untreated, a corneal ulcer can lead to severe or complete vision loss in the affected eye(s). Normally, an infection will clear up with proper treatment within 7 to 14 days. In some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks or longer to clear up fully. If you are suffering from a more severe infection, and over-the-counter medical products are not helping, our doctors can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms. If you cannot see a doctor right away for an eye infection, the fastest way to help an eye infection is with salt or saline water. It is natural and one of the most effective ways to help with an eye infection, as it is similar to your teardrops which is your eye’s way of naturally cleansing itself.