Eye Inflammation: Causes, Types, and Signs

A red eye that waters, itches, or sticks together in the morning is one of the most common reasons for seeing a doctor. In most cases it is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, which often resolves on its own within a couple of weeks. A simple look at the symptoms helps to figure out what exactly is inflamed and when it is time to see an ophthalmologist.

Eye inflammation: what it is and how it manifests

Conjunctivitis is the medical name for inflammation of the outer layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. It causes swelling, itching, burning, discharge, and redness. Usually both eyes are affected, and they look like this: red, burning, or feeling "like sand," producing pus that glues the eyelashes together, itching, and watering. If there is sticky pus, such conjunctivitis is contagious. If the eyes are red and feel like there is a grain of sand in them, this is also usually a contagious form. The allergic variant, for example with hay fever, makes the eyes red and watery but is not transmitted to others. Vision is usually not affected.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye: conjunctivitis

The mucous membrane, or conjunctiva, covers the eye on the outside and the inside of the eyelid. Its inflammation is caused by infections, allergies, and irritants — contact lens solutions, drops, or ointments. Infectious conjunctivitis is easily transmitted from person to person. By course, acute and chronic conjunctivitis are distinguished; the chronic form is maintained by dust, smoke, chemical impurities in the air, metabolic disorders, and chronic problems of the nose and lacrimal ducts.

Viral, bacterial, and allergic eye inflammation

In adults, about 85% of conjunctivitis cases are caused by adenoviruses and only 15% by bacteria. In children, bacterial and adenoviral forms occur equally often. Viral inflammation often occurs against the background of a cold or sore throat, starts in one eye, and then moves to the other. Bacterial inflammation produces viscous gray or yellowish discharge that makes the eyelids stick together after sleep. Allergic inflammation manifests as severe itching, redness, eyelid swelling, and tearing.

• Viral form: stinging in the corner of the eye, bright red conjunctiva, sometimes photophobia.
• Bacterial form: purulent discharge, dryness of the eye and surrounding skin, sometimes pain.
• Allergic form: itching, eyelid swelling, tearing, photophobia.
• Toxic form: pain when moving the eye, redness without discharge or itching.

Eyelid inflammation and purulent forms

Conjunctivitis affects the inner surface of the eyelid, and with an allergy to lenses, spots appear on the eyelids. Eyelid swelling occurs in the allergic form. Purulent forms produce abundant discharge: in blennorrhea in newborns, it is initially serosanguineous, and after 3–4 days it becomes purulent, with possible formation of infiltrates and corneal ulcers. It is these variants that require a doctor's attention.

Eye inflammation in a child: what to watch for

In children, adenoviral conjunctivitis often occurs with upper respiratory tract involvement, fever, and enlarged preauricular lymph nodes. Viral conjunctivitis is transmitted by airborne droplets and causes outbreaks mainly in children's groups. A separate situation is a newborn: if a baby under 30 days old has red, sticky eyes, an urgent doctor's examination is needed.

When an inflamed eye requires an ophthalmologist's examination

See a doctor if symptoms have not resolved within 7 days, if you wear contact lenses and notice spots on the eyelids (possible allergy to lenses), and also for any red, sticky eyes in an infant. The doctor assesses the nature of the discharge and the condition of the conjunctiva and eyelids, and if necessary prescribes examinations. Treatment depends on the cause: antibiotics may be used for a bacterial infection, while they do not work for viral and allergic forms.

Eye inflammation by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 for eye pain, photophobia, changes in vision (wavy lines, flashes), or very red eyes — one or both.

This material is for reference and does not replace a consultation with an ophthalmologist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer