Inflammation of the eye is the body’s response to injury, infection or allergies. As this can occur in different parts of the eye, it is important to identify the cause of the inflammation in order to properly treat it.
Symptoms of Inflammation
The symptoms of inflammation can change depending on the cause. They include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye floaters or dark spots in vision
- Pink or red appearance of the eyes
- Watering or discharge
- Itchiness, burning or swelling
- Crusting
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling of object in the eye
Screening and Diagnosis for Inflammation
In addition to standard eye exams, your ophthalmologist may ask about your medical history, or request additional lab testing for conditions related to autoimmune diseases or infections. Your doctor will perform the following to determine the cause of inflammation:
Eye Conditions with Inflammation
The location of the inflammation will indicate to your ophthalmologist the cause of the irritation. Inflammation can be caused by:
- Allergies – Inflammation is commonly a result of contact with irritants.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that covers the whites of the eyes and lines the eyelids.
- Scleritis – Inflammation of the whites of the eyes (sclera).
- Episcleritis – Inflammation affecting the outermost layer of the sclera.
- Uveitis – A group of inflammatory diseases that causes swelling and tissue damage in the middle of the eye (uvea), which can lead to vision loss.
- Blepharitis – Inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacteria or residue from skin conditions.
Treatment Options for Inflammation
The Eye and Vision Center provides experts who can determine the most quick and pain-free solutions for the cause of your inflammation. Our goal is to identify the source of the problem, provide prescriptions to treat any infections and general guidance on how to keep up hygiene to prevent future infections. Depending on the cause, our team can provide anti-inflammatories, eye drops, antibiotics and immunosuppressants to treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses or allergies. In many cases, the inflammation will need to run its course, and our ophthalmologists are well-versed in prevention techniques and remedies to help reduce pain and irritation.
For More Information
For more information on inflammation, or to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist, please contact 224.251.2020.