Eye Contact Optometry

Allergies and Inflammations

A variety of conditions can cause inflamed and irritated eyes. These may include:

• Allergic Conjunctivitis
  Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation or irritation of the clear mucous membrane lining the inner eyelids and sclera. Allergic conjunctivitis can be seasonal or year-long, is caused by external allergens such as pollen, grass and other airborne allergens.
• Blepharitis
  Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition that typically affects the eyelids, but can secondarily involve the cornea and conjunctiva. Symptoms include a foreign body sensation or a burning sensation, excessive tearing, itching, sensitivity to light, red and swollen eyelids, blurred vision, discharge, flaky skin on the eyelids and dry eyes.
• Episcleritis
  Episcleritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the episcleral tissue between the conjunctiva (the clear mucous membrane lining the inner eyelids and sclera) and the sclera (the white part of the eye) that occurs in the absence of an infection. The red appearance caused by this condition looks similar to conjunctivitis, but there is no discharge. Typical symptoms include generalized or local redness of the eyes that may be accompanied by mild soreness or discomfort but no visual problems.
• Keratitis (Corneal Ulcers)
  Keratitis is an inflammation or irritation of the cornea (the transparent membrane covering the iris and pupil) characterized by typical symptoms of red eye, foreign body sensation, pain, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, and blurred vision.
• Pterygium
  A pterygium is a raised, wedge-shaped growth of the conjunctiva (the clear mucous membrane lining the inner eyelids and the sclera) that extends onto the cornea. Pterigia are benign lesions that can be found on either side of the cornea that may be caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight or wind. Inflammation, exposure to dust and dryness may also be a factor.
• Scleritis
  Scleritis is similar to episcleritis in terms of appearance and symptoms. However it is usually much more painful and can lead to vision loss due to progressive inflammation of the ocular tissues or even morbidity and mortality due to an underlying collagen vascular disease.
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a disorder that causes painful blisters and lesions on the skin and mucous membranes and can cause severe eye problems. The most common cause of SJS is an adverse allergic drug reaction. Almost any drug can result in SJS, but sulfa drugs are a particularly common cause. It is more common in children and younger adults, but can develop at any age. Typical ocular problems associated with SJS can include conjunctivitis, scarring of the conjunctiva, inflammation inside the eye (iritis), corneal blisters and perforation, which can potentially lead to permanent vision loss.

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