Eye inflammation is caused by a variety of conditions. Allergies, defective tear production, infections, skin conditions and eye trauma can provoke eye inflammation and related symptoms such as redness, excessive tearing and light sensitivity. While some causes of eye inflammation are minor, others may potentially threaten vision. It is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Eye Allergy
An allergic reaction to irritants in the air can cause eye inflammation, also known as allergic conjunctivitis. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports allergic conjunctivitis symptoms include eye redness, itching, pain, swelling and excessive tearing. Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal or year-round, depending on the triggers. Possible allergic triggers include pollen, cigarette smoke, mold spores, makeup, perfume and skin lotions or medicines. Nasal allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and runny or stuffy nose, may accompany allergic conjunctivitis.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a condition resulting from insufficient tear production, or abnormal tears that evaporate quickly leaving the eye inordinately dry and inflamed. The National Eye Institute reports common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include eye redness, burning, itching, scratchiness, stringy discharge and intermittent blurred vision. Certain medications and a variety of conditions can precipitate dry eye syndrome, including laser eye surgery, incomplete blink, hormonal fluctuations, allergies, autoimmune diseases, hyperthyroidism and advancing age. Artificial tears may be sufficient to relieve mild dry eye symptoms. Prescription medications and minor surgical interventions may be used with moderate to severe dry eye syndrome.
Infectious Conjunctivitis
Viruses and bacteria can cause infectious conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye. Symptoms of pink eye include scratchiness, redness, itching, burning, excessive tearing and eye discharge. One or both eyes may be affected. In an online article about conjunctivitis published by AllAboutVision.com, Dr. Charles Slonim and Marilyn Haddrill report the most common causes of bacterial conjunctivitis are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, H. influenzae and P. aeruginosa. Drs. Gary Morrow and Richard Abbott report in a review article published in "American Family Physician," that adenoviruses are the most frequent cause of viral conjunctivitis.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids in the area where the eyelashes grow. The National Eye Institute reports common symptoms of blepharitis include eye burning, itching, redness, eyelid swelling, crusts or flakes in the eyelashes, light sensitivity, excessive tearing and a feeling that something is in the eye. Possible causes of blepharitis include chronic infection of the eyelids, malfunction of the oil glands of the eyelids, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
Foreign Body
Foreign bodies in the eye can cause intense eye inflammation and pain. Objects that cannot be removed by flushing the eye may be embedded in the eye surface, notes the Mayo Clinic. It is important to seek medical attention if something is in the eye to avoid permanent damage and prevent eye infection.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Eye Allergy: Causes and Treatment
- University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center: Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
- National Eye Institute: Facts About Dry Eye
- American Optometric Association: Dry Eye
- All About Vision: Conjunctivitis Bacterial, Viral, Allergic and Other Types
