Eye Inflammation

Eye inflammation is a reaction of the eye to irritants, allergens, or infections caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria or fungi, leading to redness, swelling, tearing, and itching. It’s also known as uveitis.

It can affect various parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva or eyelids, and can occur in acute or chronic forms. The symptoms and treatments vary depending on the cause.

The Most Common Eye Inflammations

Eye inflammations appear in different forms, depending on the affected area of the eye and eye inflammation causes.

Here are some of the most common eye inflammations:

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

This occurs when the conjunctiva, the thin transparent membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, becomes inflamed. The causes of conjunctivitis can be allergic, bacterial, or viral in nature.

Stye (Hordeolum)

A stye is a bacterial infection of the oil glands in the eyelid, causing a painful red swelling that resembles a pimple. It often rubs against the eye when blinking, leading to discomfort.

Chalazion

Unlike a stye, a chalazion is a non-infectious blockage of the meibomian gland in the eyelid, resulting in painful swelling.

Iritis (Inflammation of the Iris)

This is an inflammation of the iris, the coloured part of the eye. It can be triggered by trauma, genetic factors, or certain diseases.

Keratitis (Corneal Inflammation)

Corneal inflammation can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, or by wearing contact lenses. The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye that not only protects the eye but also plays a crucial role in focusing incoming light onto the retina to ensure clear vision.

Eye Inflammation Symptoms

Eye inflammation can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. Below are the most common eye inflammation symptoms.

Redness: The eyes appear red or bloodshot due to the dilation of blood vessels on the surface of the eye.
Swelling: The tissue around the eye may appear swollen and inflamed. This can affect the eyelid, conjunctiva, or other parts of the eye.
Itching and burning: Itchy eyes and a burning sensation are common eye inflammation symptoms, often accompanied by the urge to rub the eyes.
Foreign body sensation: Some people report a feeling as if something is stuck in their eye, even when nothing is there.
Pain: Depending on the type of inflammation, there may be mild to severe pain.
Tearing: Watery eyes can occur as a way to flush out irritants from the eye.
Light sensitivity: Affected individuals may notice increased sensitivity to bright light.
Blurred or impaired vision: Visual acuity may be affected, leading to blurred vision.
Pus or clear discharge: In some cases, there may be discharge from the eye, which can be clear or purulent.
Crusting: Crust may form around the eyes overnight, especially if there is discharge.
Altered pupil size: In rare cases, inflammation of the eye can lead to a change in pupil size or shape.

These symptoms can occur individually or in combination and can vary in intensity depending on the cause of the inflammation.

What Causes Eye Inflammation?

The causes of eye inflammation are diverse and can range from external irritants to infections or systemic diseases.

Infections: Infections caused by bacteria or other pathogens can lead to various types of eye inflammation. These microbial invaders can be transmitted to the eye through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, through the air, or by contact with infected individuals.
Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, animal hair, mould, or other allergens can trigger eye inflammation. These allergens can cause the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances in the eye, leading to redness, itching, and swelling.
Irritants: Dust, smoke, chemicals, or other environmental irritants can irritate the eyes and cause inflammation. Continuous or high exposure to these irritants can damage the eye's surface and trigger an inflammatory response, leading to discomfort and other symptoms.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the eyes. In these diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, which can cause inflammation and irritation in the delicate structures of the eyes.
Dry eyes: A lack of tear production or poor quality of tear fluid can irritate the eye's surface and promote inflammation. Without adequate moisture or a protective tear film, the eyes are more susceptible to irritation from environmental factors, which can trigger an inflammatory response.
Injuries: Eye injuries, such as scratches or foreign bodies in the eye, can cause inflammation. Such injuries can irritate or damage the eye's surface, triggering a natural inflammatory response to aid healing and prevent infection. Injuries to the cornea, in particular, are often accompanied by pain and require medical attention.
UV light: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause eye inflammation, particularly when spending long periods in strong sunlight without proper eye protection. UV rays irritate the eye's surface, leading to inflammation known as photokeratitis.
Contact lens intolerance: Wearing contact lenses, especially when they are not properly cared for or worn too long, can lead to inflammation. Insufficient care or prolonged wear can promote the accumulation of bacteria and other irritants on the lens surface, which can irritate the eyes and trigger an inflammatory response.
Medication reactions: Some medications, including eye medications, can cause eye irritation and inflammation of the eye. The ingredients or side effects of certain medications can trigger a reaction in the eye, leading to redness, swelling, and other inflammatory symptoms.
Surgery and surgical interventions: After eye surgery, inflammation may occur as a reaction to the procedure or due to infections. The healing process itself can trigger an inflammatory response, and there is also a risk of infections that can cause further inflammation and irritation in the operated area.
Eyelid disorders: Conditions such as blepharitis, which causes inflammation of the eyelids, can trigger secondary inflammation in the eye. The irritation and inflammation of the eyelids can spread to the adjacent areas of the eye, thus irritating the entire eye and causing further inflammatory reactions.

How Is Eye Inflammation Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of eye inflammation is a multi-step process aimed at identifying the exact cause of the inflammation and providing appropriate treatment recommendations.

Medical history: The first step in diagnosing eye inflammation is a detailed discussion between the patient and the ophthalmologist to clarify the symptoms, their duration, and any triggering factors.
Eye examination: The ophthalmologist will examine the eyes with special instruments to assess the inflammation and its extent.
Slit-lamp examination: A slit lamp is a microscope with a light source that allows the ophthalmologist to view the surface of the eye and surrounding structures in detail.
Swabs and cultures: If an infectious cause is suspected, the doctor may take swabs from the surface of the eye and have them tested in the laboratory for bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Allergy tests: If an allergic reaction is suspected, specific allergy tests can be performed to identify the triggering allergens.
Imaging procedures: In some cases, imaging procedures such as ultrasound examinations of the eye may be necessary to determine the cause of the inflammation.
Other specific tests: Depending on the specific circumstances and the doctor's suspicion, other specific tests may be performed to clarify the cause of the inflammation.

How to Treat Eye Inflammation

Eye inflammation treatment depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the inflammation. Various treatment approaches are aimed at alleviating symptoms and combating the cause of the inflammation.

Medication treatment:

Antibiotics: For bacterial eye infections, antibiotic eye drops or ointments may be prescribed.
Antiviral medications: For viral eye infections, such as herpes infections, antiviral eye drops or systemic medications may be used.
Antifungals: For fungal infections, antifungal medications are prescribed.
Anti-allergic medications: For allergic reactions, anti-allergic eye drops or systemic antihistamines can help.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops can be used for various types of eye inflammation.

Surgical treatment:

Surgical removal of a stye or chalazion: Surgical treatment may be considered if a stye or chalazion does not respond to other treatments, recurs, or impairs vision.

Home remedies for eye inflammation:

Warm or cold compresses: Applying warm or cold compresses can help alleviate discomfort, particularly in cases of irritation or swelling.
Eye rinses: For irritations caused by foreign bodies or dust, gentle eye rinses with clean, warm water can help.
Artificial tears: Artificial tears, which are available over the counter at pharmacies, can be helpful for dry eyes or irritation.
Avoiding allergens: If an allergy is known to be the cause of eye inflammation, avoiding contact with the allergen is an effective preventive measure.
Eyelid care: Gently cleaning the eyelids with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and warm water can also serve as a home remedy for eye inflammations, particularly in cases of blepharitis or other eyelid inflammations.

*Note: It is strongly recommended to consult an ophthalmologist in the case of eye inflammation. Even seemingly minor eye irritations can be a sign of serious eye diseases. Improper self-treatment can increase the risk of complications and potentially endanger eye health. An ophthalmologist can diagnose the exact cause of the inflammation and recommend appropriate treatment to promote rapid healing and minimise the risk of long-term damage.