Eye inflammation: causes, symptoms, and what to do now
Red, itchy, or painful eyes are common — but they’re not all the same. Eye inflammation means one or more parts of the eye are swollen or irritated. That can be the eyelid (blepharitis), the white of the eye (conjunctivitis), the colored part (uveitis), or deeper tissues. Knowing the likely cause helps you act fast and protect your vision.
Most people see redness, watering, blurred vision, light sensitivity, discomfort when moving the eye, or a gritty feeling. Pus or thick discharge usually points to a bacterial infection. Clear watery discharge often means a virus or allergy. Severe pain, sudden vision loss, or a fixed small pupil are red flags — get urgent care.
Common causes you’ll run into
Allergies: pollen, dust, pets. Both eyes are usually affected, itching is strong, and the issue often repeats seasonally.
Infections: bacterial or viral conjunctivitis can spread quickly. One eye often starts first. Viral infections can come with a cold. Bacterial cases tend to produce yellow or green goo.
Contact lenses: poor hygiene or overwear invites irritation and infection. Soft lenses left in too long increase risk.
Uveitis: inflammation inside the eye. It can be linked to autoimmune illness, infections, or eye injury. Uveitis is less common but can threaten vision.
Blepharitis and dry eye: eyelid margin inflammation and blocked oil glands create chronic irritation and flakes along the lashes.
Injury and foreign bodies: a scratch, chemical splash, or metal shavings cause immediate pain and need quick assessment.
What to do now — simple, practical steps
If you wear contacts, remove them immediately and switch to glasses. Rinse your eyes with clean water or sterile saline if something got in them. For mild irritation, a cool compress can reduce swelling and itching; a warm compress helps with blocked glands and crusts.
Don’t pop or rub your eyes — rubbing spreads infections and can damage the surface. Use preservative-free artificial tears for dryness. Over-the-counter antihistamine drops help allergy itch, but avoid steroid eye drops unless a doctor prescribes them. Steroids can help severe inflammation but can worsen infections if used wrongly.
See a doctor if you have moderate to severe pain, worsening vision, intense light sensitivity, thick discharge, or symptoms lasting more than a few days. A clinician will check whether you need antibiotic drops, antiviral meds, steroid drops (for uveitis), or an oral drug. They’ll also advise on safe contact lens use and follow-up checks.
Prevention is straightforward: wash hands often, replace or clean contact lenses as directed, avoid touching your face at pollen-heavy times, and get regular eye exams. If you have autoimmune disease, keep your specialists in the loop — early treatment of systemic issues lowers eye flare-ups.
If you’re unsure, phone a clinic or use telehealth to show symptoms. Quick action keeps things simple and protects your sight.
