Inflammatory Eye Diseases - Diseases of the Conjunctiva

Introduction

The eye comprises of three layers, the uvea, retina, and sclera. The uvea contains the veins and arteries that carry blood to the eye, while the retina is the layer closest to the eye. The outermost layer, often known as the sclera, is white and acts as a protective layer. Inflammation is the body's reaction to a wound, an infection, or irritation. Eye inflammation, also known as ocular inflammation, is a disorder that results in one or more eye areas swelling. It can be brought on by various things, from simple irritation to specific diseases. Sometimes substances like dust, pollen, or grass may cause inflammation. Inflammation in the eye can affect the eye and can result in vision loss. The disease is termed based on the area of the eye that is affected.

What Are the Causes of Inflammatory Eye Diseases?

The causes of inflammatory eye diseases are:

• Infection.

• Allergies.

• Autoimmune disorders.

• Irritation.

• Injury or trauma.

What Are the Different Types of Inflammatory Eye Diseases?

The different types of inflammatory eye diseases are:

• Uveitis - The term "uveitis" refers to common eye inflammation. It affects the eye layer known as the uvea and can happen in one or both eyes. It may also be accompanied by inflammation in other eye regions and last for either an acute or a chronic. Severe uveitis may cause permanent visual loss.

• Keratitis - Keratitis, often referred to as a "corneal ulcer," is an inflammation of the cornea, the transparent window with a dome shape positioned at the front of the eye and covers the iris and pupil. Infectious keratitis, also known as infectious keratitis, can be brought on by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

• Conjunctivitis - Conjunctivitis, often known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that borders the eyelid and covers the white portion of the eyeball.

• Scleritis - The sclera is a white tissue layer that protects the rest of the eye from injury. When this area is painful and inflamed, the condition is called scleritis. The sclera can be categorized into four subdivisions, they are diffuse anterior, nodular, necrotizing, and scleromalacia perforans.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Eye Diseases?

The signs and symptoms of inflammatory eye diseases include:

• Eye pain.

• Inflammation.

• Swelling.

• Redness.

• Watering of eyes.

• Elevated eye pressure.

What Are the Risk Factors for Inflammatory Eye Diseases?

The risk factors of inflammatory eye diseases includes :

• Smoking.

• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

• Behcet’s diseases,a disorder in which affects the inflammation of blood vessel.

• Syphilis (a chronic contagious infections that spread through sexual intercourse).

• Multiple sclerosis (a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system)

• Rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints).

• Ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum).

• Kawasaki’s diseases (serious illness that primarily affects young children, causing fever, rash, and inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body).

• Psoriasis (a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin).

What Are Diagnostic Tests for Inflammatory Eye Diseases?

The diagnostic test for inflammatory eye diseases includes:

• Eye Examinations - Eye professionals will do an eye check-up by dilating the pupils using special eye drops.

• Visual Acuity Test or Eye Chart - The eye care professional asks the patient to read letters off a chart (known as a Snellen chart). Initially, the patient will read with one eye covered, followed by the other eye, and finally, both eyes. Next, the doctor can evaluate each eye's distance from 20/20 vision. The findings will provide the patient's eye care provider with information about their vision and any potential prescriptions they may need to rectify.

• Slit Lamp Test - Slit lamp test is a non-invasive test to check the entire eye. This test is performed when the patient is seated in the examination chair and also instructed to rest their chin on the chin rest and their forehead against the forehead band. This maintains the patient's head steady during the exam.

• Fundoscopic Exam - Ophthalmoscopy, also known as fundoscopy, is a procedure used by a physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist to examine the retina of the eye.

• Ocular Pressure Eye Test - Ocular pressure eye test, also known as tonometry, is a simple test used by a medical professional to measure the pressure inside the eyes.

What Are the Various Treatment Options Available for Inflammatory Eye Diseases?

The various treatment options available for inflammatory eye diseases includes:

1. Medications -

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs - Initially the doctor may advise eye drops containing an anti-inflammatory drug, such as a corticosteroid. Eye drops are usually not sufficient to treat inflammation that spreads over the front of the eye; therefore, an injection of corticosteroids inside the eye or surrounding regions, or the oral administration of corticosteroid tablets may be recommended.

• Antispasmodic Drugs - Eye drops can be given for dilating the pupil to relieve eye pain.

• Antibiotic or Antiviral drugs - The doctor may recommend antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other treatments, with or without combined corticosteroids to treat the root causes of eye inflammation such as uveitis. Some of these medicines can cause major side effects that affect the eyes, like glaucoma and cataracts. Drugs used orally or intravenously may have side effects outside the eyes.

2. Surgery -

Inflammatory eye diseases can be managed surgically in both therapeutic and diagnostic ways. In cases of uveitis, there are numerous structural complications that need to be treated surgically, such as the development of an glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage, and opacity. Such surgeries includes:

• Vitrectomy - A vitrectomy is a form of eye surgery used to treat a variety of eye inflammatory eye diseases such as uveitis or keratitis. It is a procedure where the vitreous gel is taken out during surgery and replaced with a different fluid. A tiny, needle-like instrument known as a vitrector is inserted into the eye. The vitreous fluid is aspirated (sucked out) by this device. After that, the surgeon replaces the natural vitreous fluid in the eye with a specific saline solution. The macula is released from traction when the vitreous is surgically removed, and it eventually reverts to its regular form and structure.

• Implant that Releases Medication - A device that is implanted in the eye may be an option for persons with posterior uveitis that is difficult to treat. This device gradually distributes corticosteroids into the eye for two to three years.

What Precautions Have to Be Taken to Avoid Eye Inflammatory Eye Diseases?

The precautions have to be taken to avoid eye inflammation are:

1. Quit Smoking - Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing eye inflammatory diseases for smokers compared to non smokers.

2. Try to Avoid Excessive Stress - Excessive stress may increase the risk of developing eye inflammatory conditions such as uveitis or central retinopathy. The body and eyes will be able to recover from daily exertions if one does not get enough sleep. Make time each day, even for just five minutes, to unwind your body and mind.

3. Eat and Healthy Balanced Diet - Maintaining general eye health requires proper nutrition and a healthy diet. Food is rich in natural antioxidants to help strengthen the immune system and resist the effects of free radicals. Vitamin A (found in carrots, apricots, and papayas), Vitamin C (found in berries, citrus fruits, and tomatoes), Vitamin E (found in avocados, green leafy vegetables, and salmon), and zinc (whole bran, eggs, peanuts) are some of these.

4. Protect the Eyes from Injuries - In cases of severe injury, including numerous eye surgeries and penetrating injuries, the eye is at risk of developing inflammation. Measurements can be taken for protecting eye injuries such as:

• Wearing seat belts while driving.

• Protective eyewear while participating in sports.

• Proper eye protection when operating machinery.

• Proper eye protection when handling firearms.

5. Avoid Rubbing or Touching the Eyes - Try to avoid rubbing or touching the eye even if the eye is itchy or watering. It may lead to more complications.

Conclusion

Eye inflammation, also known as ocular inflammation, is a disorder that results in one or more eye areas swelling. It can be brought on by various things, from simple irritation to specific diseases. Sometimes substances like dust, pollen, or grass may cause inflammation. Inflammation in the eye can affect the eye and can result in vision loss. Eye inflammation is not that much of a serious issue. It can heal on its own with or without treatment unless severe cases.