The eye is a round organ in the skull that sends images to the brain to interpret and provides vision. Common conditions can affect the eye and cause irritation and swelling, such as pinkeye and allergies. Other conditions are less common and can cause serious complications if left untreated. All swelling in the area of the eye needs medical attention to determine the cause and proper treatment to prevent further complications such as blindness.
Keratitis
The cornea is the clear area at the front of the eye and covers the iris and pupil. An inflammation of the cornea, referred to as keratitis, occurs due to an infection or injury to the eye. Symptoms of keratitis include redness, pain and blurred vision in the eye. Swelling around the eye and difficulty opening it due to irritation may also occur, according to MayoClinic.com. Delaying treatment can cause complications such as blindness. Treatment for keratitis includes eye drops to treat the infection or an eye patch to protect the eye while it heals from the injury.
Mucormycosis
Mucormycosis is an infection involving areas of the body such as the lungs, brain and sinuses. The infection---caused by a fungus found in soil and decaying plants---occurs most often in individuals with immune system disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of a mucormycosis infection of the sinuses include pain in the eye, eye swelling and a protrusion of the eye from its orbit. The condition requires aggressive treatment such as surgery to remove infected tissues and intravenous anti-fungal medications.
Tularemia
Tularemia, also referred to as deerfly fever or rabbit fever, is a rare infection that attacks the eyes, skin and lungs. Transmission to humans occurs due to insect bites or exposure to an infected rabbit, bird, fish, reptile or rodent. Symptoms of tularemia generally start between 2 and 10 days after exposure and include eye pain, swelling and discharge, according to MayoClinic.com. Without treatment, tularemia is fatal. Treatments for the condition include intravenous or oral antibiotics.
Alport Syndrome
Alport syndrome is a kidney condition that occurs due to a mutated gene. The inflammation in the kidney causes damage to blood vessels within the organ, which further causes a build up of waste products the body. Symptoms of the condition include changes in urine color, swelling of the body, vision loss and swelling around the eyes. Treatment for alport syndrome includes controlling blood pressure, and instituting dietary changes to control fluid levels in the body. Alport syndrome is more common in males, according to MedlinePlus.
