Eye inflammations can cause several complications

Although the eyes are equipped with several protective mechanisms, they cannot defend themselves against all risk factors. Among the most common eye diseases are eye inflammations, which can cause many unpleasant complications. If they are of viral or bacterial origin, they can be contagious, as the parents of nursery and school children could best tell you.

In today’s article you will learn:

• what eye inflammation is and how it manifests itself
• what the most common causes of an inflamed eye are
• whether you can help yourself in the case of inflammation

Inflammations mainly affect the surface structures of the eyes, especially the conjunctiva or the cornea. Inflammations of the accessory organs of the eye, mainly the eyelids, are also common. Inflammation of the eyelids is medically called blepharitis, which is also often an accompanying disease of conjunctivitis.

The most common forms of eye inflammation are bacterial and viral inflammations. While purulent discharge is typical of bacterial eye inflammation, with viral inflammation the patient rather experiences redness, burning and irritation without purulent discharge.

Eye inflammations do not have to manifest themselves only by redness of the conjunctiva

An inflamed eye most often manifests itself by redness of the conjunctiva. Other symptoms also include:

• swelling of the eye
• foreign body sensation in the eye
• increased sensitivity to light
• discharge of mucus and pus
• increased tear production
• eye pain
• blurred vision
• raised temperature
• weakness and lethargy

Contact lenses can be the cause of an inflamed eye

There are a number of infectious and non-infectious risk factors that can cause an inflamed eye. Infection is caused mainly by bacteria and viruses; fungi or parasites also pose a risk. In most cases the reason is mainly failure to observe hygiene rules.

The source of an infectious inflammation can thus be, for example:

• contact with an infected person, or using a towel after an infected person
• contact lenses when hygiene rules are not observed
• a swimming pool at an indoor pool or an outdoor bathing area
• a whirlpool at a wellness centre

Non-infectious eye inflammations are characterised by the fact that they are not contagious. They can be caused, for example, by:

• injury
• draught
• smoke
• chemicals
• dust and sand
• allergy
• certain autoimmune diseases

There are also home remedies for eye inflammations

Eye inflammations can significantly limit everyday life, but as a rule only temporarily; in most cases they can be treated relatively effectively. Eye drops and ointments are most often applied; in the case of more severe inflammations, antibiotics can also be prescribed. You can also help faster healing yourself. It is important that the eyes are at rest, without strain. Stay at home, limit watching television, working at the computer or looking at the display of your mobile phone. You also need to be aware that the infectious form of an inflamed eye is contagious. Going to school or to work with inflamed eyes is therefore inappropriate not only from the point of view of treatment, but also in relation to the people around you.

To relax the eyes you can use warm water compresses. Honey compresses are also known, which you can easily make by mixing water and honey in approximately equal proportions. It is important that for each eye you apply a clean and always new or washed handkerchief or swab. Used tea bags also have antioxidant effects, but apply them only once they have cooled down a little.

Finally, we have one tip for you. If you want to minimise the risk of developing eye inflammation, try to observe hygiene meticulously. Do not use the same towel for your face as other family members, do not touch your eye with unwashed hands, and protect your eyes with sunglasses. And of course, do not needlessly postpone a visit to an ophthalmologist if you have symptoms of inflamed eyes.