What are "normal" results of an eye exam? Other than 20/20, what are normal axis and sphere numbers?

Mostly we consider "normal" vision as being 20/20, although maximum human acuity is even finer at 20/16 to 20/12. Therefore, interestingly, "normal" acuity is not "perfect" vision. The common 20/20 vision standard can be considered the lower limit of normal or as a screening cutoff. To have 20/20 uncorrected vision, or vision achieved without glasses or contact lenses, you must have low "sphere" and "cyl" numbers on your prescription.

On an eyeglass or contact lens prescription a "sphere" with a "plus" value describes hyperopia or farsightedness and a "minus" indicates myopia or nearsightedness.

Finally, normal 20/20 visual acuity does not necessarily mean completely normal vision. Some people may suffer from other visual problems, such as colour blindness, reduced contrast, or inability to track fast-moving objects and still have 20/20 visual acuity. Even if your eyes are normal they can change, which underscores the importance of routine screening and appropriate care with an ophthalmologist, your ophthalmologist, who can both diagnose normal versus correctible and abnormal vision while suggesting a personalised plan to best protect your vision for the future.

I have a bacterial eye infection. What is the treatment of choice? Can I be around other people?

Are you sure it is a bacterial eye infection? Both bacterial and viral eye infections are contagious (usually from person to person). The only way to tell the difference between bacterial and viral eye infections is an eye exam from an ophthalmologist. Most eye infections are viral, and are very infectious. Bacterial eye infections are less common and are treated with antibiotic drops and pills, and treatment of the underlying cause, such as chronic blepharitis or lid infection. Viral eye infections are treated with artificial tears, mild steroid drops, and drops to prevent redness and itching. Special care is necessary to avoid giving the infection to others, including careful hand washing, throwing away eye makeup and contaminated contact lenses, and trying not to rub the eyes. Be careful of "persistent" or "chronic" eye infections – they may be something else entirely, such as chronic inflammation from blepharitis or dry eye. Also, if you are diagnosed with a viral eye infection, and your doctor prescribes steroid drops, don't stay on such drops for more than a few weeks.