Eye inflammation can have a number of different causes. In some cases, the inflammatory response can hinder the ability to see. The degree of redness, swelling or appearance of blood doesn't usually correlate to how serious the situation is; pain and limited or impaired vision are greater indicators of severity. Conditions that cause permanent damage affect the structures inside the eye and aren't as visible to an untrained observer.
Conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is the thin layer of mucous membrane that lines the inner eyelids and eye. It can become inflamed and red from a number of causes, including environmental toxins, allergens, bacteria or viruses. In the latter two cases, the inflammation is commonly known as pink eye. According to the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine, a seasonal form of conjunctivitis is often associated with seasonal allergies and is diagnosed on clinical evaluation and medical history. The chronic form can be caused by a number of microorganisms or environmental factors, and can require culture or biopsy to obtain a diagnosis that leads to accurate treatment.
Sty
According to Kids Health, a sty is an infection in one of the eyelash hair follicles. Beneath the follicles are tiny openings where oils and lubricants are excreted to care for the delicate tissues of the eye. If one or two of these openings gets clogged with make-up, dirt or oils, it can become infected, red and inflamed. However, applying warm compresses can remove the oils and clear the clogged follicle. You may need antibiotics for stubborn infections.
Uveitis
The uvea is the vascular layer of the eye between the retina and the whites of the eye. Included in this area are the iris, choroid layer and ciliary body. The specific name of the process depends upon the actual structure that's inflamed. The most common area to be affected is the iris, and the condition is called iritis. According to Mayo Clinic physicians, the exact cause of the inflammation may not be known, but infections, injury and autoimmune disorders are associated with the condition. Untreated, it can damage the optic nerve, cloud your vision, or result in glaucoma and loss of vision.
Auto-Immune Disease
Many of the autoimmune diseases--such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus and multiple sclerosis--can first present with eye inflammation and redness. Eye symptoms may include pain, visual changes, dry or red eyes or the sensation that there's a foreign body in the eye. Get a thorough eye examination by a trained specialist to help determine whether there's imminent danger of loss of sight, and if there's any other underlying medical condition that should also be addressed.
Ocular Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin disorder that affects people between ages of 25 and 50. It can also affect the area of the eye. According to the International Rosacea Foundation, ocular symptoms can cause persistent burning and feeling of grittiness in the eye. The eye becomes inflamed and the lids swollen, with inflamed bumps. Sometimes, the eyelashes fall out. Symptoms of ocular rosacea vary from person to person. It can affect a variety of structures in the eye, and complications from the ocular symptoms are independent of the severity of the condition on the face.
