Inflammatory Eye Diseases
Inflammatory eye diseases refer to a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the eye’s structures, including the conjunctiva, cornea, sclera, uvea, retina, and optic nerve. These conditions can affect individuals of all ages and may vary in severity and duration. Some common inflammatory eye diseases include:
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is one of the most common inflammatory eye conditions and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. Symptoms include redness, itching, tearing, and discharge from the eye.
- Keratitis: Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, often caused by infection, injury, or underlying conditions such as dry eye syndrome or autoimmune diseases. Symptoms include eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and discharge.
- Uveitis: Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can be caused by infection, autoimmune diseases, or underlying systemic conditions. Symptoms may include eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and floaters.
- Scleritis: Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye. It is often associated with underlying autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Symptoms include severe eye pain, redness, tenderness, and blurred vision.
- Retinitis: Retinitis is inflammation of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It can be caused by infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or herpes simplex virus (HSV), autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory conditions. Symptoms may include blurred vision, floaters, flashes of light, and vision loss.
- Optic Neuritis: Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, often associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or infections. Symptoms include eye pain, blurred vision, loss of color vision, and visual field defects.
Treatment for inflammatory eye diseases depends on the underlying cause and may include medications such as anti-inflammatory eye drops, oral steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, or biologic agents. In severe cases or when complications arise, surgical intervention may be necessary. It is essential to consult with an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and management of inflammatory eye diseases to prevent vision loss and complications.