Eye inflammation results from conditions that irritate the tissues in certain parts of the eye. For many people, inflammation will result in eye redness and discomfort. A person with severe symptoms may need to contact an eye doctor to determine if she needs treatment for the condition or symptoms. Knowing some of the causes for inflammation may help people determine when to seek medical help.
Allergies
Eye allergies cause inflammation, usually in both eyes, often resulting in eye redness, tearing and itching. Reactions to pollen or other seasonal allergens commonly cause problems in the spring, yet other people may respond to other environmental allergens, such as pet dander, says the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Some people may find relief with oral medications for allergies, such as an antihistamine. Other people may require eye drops to ease inflammation and accompanying symptoms. Most drug stores carry over-the-counter oral and eye drop allergy medications. In some cases, allergic inflammation may not respond to these non-prescription medications. When this occurs, the person should contact her eye doctor for an evaluation and treatment.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation may also occur from bacterial or viral infections, a condition called conjunctivitis, which many commonly refer to as "pink eye." The infection causes the inflammation in the thin layer that covers the white of the eye, called the conjunctiva. Symptoms may appear in one or both eyes, causing mild to severe redness, irritation and light sensitivity, says the American Optometric Association. The conjunctiva also lines the underside of the eyelids, and the inflammation of the lining may result in swollen eyelids as well. If bacteria caused the infection, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic eye drop. Viral infections do not have a treatment, and a doctor will likely recommend that the virus should resolve on its own. However, severe symptoms may respond to a steroid eye drops, though these drops will not treat the virus itself.
Uveitis
The inner eye divides into chambers and layers. One layer, called the uvea, helps divide the front and back of the eye. This layer contains the iris, the colored part of the eye. Inflammation that infects these tissues, called uveitis, may cause changes in vision, pain, redness and light sensitivity, says MedlinePlus. The inflammation may occur in one or both eyes. A person with these symptoms should contact an eye doctor immediately to prevent permanent damage to eye health or vision. The doctor may prescribe eye drops to treat the inflammation. In some cases, pupil dilation may help relieve pain from the inflammation of the iris. As such, he may recommend the patient use eye drops to keep the pupil dilated during healing.
