Eye Inflammation

Where the inflammation is

The eye has several layers, and inflammation of each has a different name and level of risk.

Common causes

Infection

• Viral conjunctivitis: watery discharge, often after a cold, very contagious, lasts 1 to 3 weeks
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: thick yellow or green discharge, lids stuck together in the morning
• Herpes simplex and shingles: can inflame the cornea and uvea, often one-sided with pain
• Contact lens infections: bacteria or acanthamoeba causing painful corneal ulcers

Allergy

Allergic conjunctivitis causes intense itching, watery eyes and puffy lids, often with hay fever. Both eyes are usually affected.

Dry eye and blepharitis

Poor tear quality from blocked oil glands in the lids leads to chronic low-grade surface inflammation, with burning, grittiness and paradoxical watering. See dry eye.

Autoimmune and systemic disease

Uveitis, scleritis and episcleritis are linked to ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, sarcoidosis and vasculitis. Thyroid eye disease causes inflammation of the tissues behind the eye, with bulging, redness and swelling.

Irritants and injury

Smoke, chlorine, cosmetics, chemicals, UV light (welding or snow blindness), and scratches or foreign bodies on the cornea all inflame the eye surface.

How to tell if eye inflammation is serious

A useful rule: surface inflammation itches, burns or feels gritty. Deeper inflammation hurts. Get same-day eye care if you have:

• moderate or severe pain, especially a deep ache
• light sensitivity that makes you squint or close the eye
• blurred vision that does not clear with blinking
• a pupil that looks different from the other side
• a white spot on the clear front of the eye
• redness concentrated in a ring around the colored part of the eye

How eye inflammation is diagnosed

An optometrist or ophthalmologist examines the eye with a slit lamp, a microscope that shows each layer. They check visual acuity and eye pressure, and use fluorescein dye to highlight scratches and ulcers on the cornea. They may take a swab of discharge or a scraping from a corneal ulcer, and order blood tests or imaging if a systemic disease is suspected. CT scanning is used when orbital cellulitis is possible.

Treatment

Treatment depends entirely on the cause, so avoid using leftover or borrowed eye drops, especially steroid drops, which can worsen herpes and fungal infections.

Home care for mild surface inflammation

• Cool compresses for itching and swelling, warm compresses for blepharitis and styes
• Lid hygiene: gently clean lid margins with warm water or a lid cleanser
• Preservative-free artificial tears several times a day for dryness and irritation
• Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops for allergy, following the label
• Remove contact lenses until the eye is completely better
• Avoid rubbing and do not share towels or pillowcases if the cause may be infection

Treatments an eye doctor may prescribe

• Antibiotic drops or ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis, keratitis or corneal ulcers
• Antiviral drops or tablets for herpes eye disease
• Steroid drops, injections or tablets for uveitis and scleritis
• Immune-suppressing or biologic medicines for recurrent or autoimmune inflammation
• Intravenous antibiotics in hospital for orbital cellulitis

Preventing eye inflammation

• Wash hands before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses.
• Never sleep or swim in contact lenses unless they are approved for it, and do not rinse lenses in tap water.
• Wear safety glasses for DIY, grinding and chemicals, and UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors.
• Keep up lid hygiene if you are prone to blepharitis.
• Take regular screen breaks and blink fully to reduce dryness.

Frequently asked questions

What causes eye inflammation?

The most common causes are infections (conjunctivitis), allergies, dry eye and blepharitis. Deeper inflammation such as uveitis and scleritis is often linked to autoimmune conditions, infections like herpes, or injury. Irritants such as smoke, chemicals and contact lenses can also inflame the eye.

How do you treat an inflamed eye at home?

For mild surface irritation, use cool compresses, preservative-free artificial tears, gentle lid cleaning and antihistamine drops for allergies. Remove contact lenses and avoid rubbing. If there is pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision, see an eye doctor instead of treating it at home.

When should I worry about an inflamed eye?

Worry if you have real pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, a white spot on the cornea, a red eye while wearing contact lenses, swollen lids with fever, or after a chemical splash or injury. These can signal keratitis, uveitis, scleritis or orbital cellulitis.

How long does eye inflammation last?

Viral conjunctivitis usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks and bacterial 5 to 7 days. Allergic inflammation lasts as long as exposure continues. Uveitis typically settles in several weeks with treatment. Blepharitis and dry eye are often long-term and need ongoing care.

Can eye inflammation cause blindness?

Surface inflammation such as conjunctivitis rarely affects vision. Deeper or severe inflammation, including keratitis, uveitis, scleritis and orbital cellulitis, can cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Early assessment greatly reduces that risk.