Eye Inflammation Specialist
Eye Inflammation Q & A
What is eye inflammation?
Eye inflammation can occur due to an infection or chronic disease, such as uveitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis uveitis, Grave’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Uveitis is a leading cause of blindness in the United States.
It’s important to watch for signs of eye inflammation. Symptoms often include:
- Eye discomfort
- Redness
- Light sensitivity
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Diminished vision
- Vision changes
- Eye floaters
- Blurred vision
If you experience symptoms of eye inflammation or vision changes, see Dr. Reddy and her team for an eye exam as soon as possible to help prevent vision loss.
What causes eye inflammation?
The cause of uveitis and other forms of eye inflammation isn’t always clear, but genetics may play a role. Bacterial infections, eye injuries, eye surgery, certain autoimmune disorders, cancer, and smoking may also contribute to eye inflammation.
When left untreated, inflammation may lead to cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve damage, retinal detachment, or permanent vision loss.
How is eye inflammation diagnosed?
To help diagnose eye inflammation, Dr. Reddy and her team complete a comprehensive eye exam and review your medical history.
They may use vision tests, blood tests, eye fluid analysis, or eye imaging tests to diagnose your condition and establish a treatment that best suits your needs.
What is the treatment for eye inflammation?
To treat eye inflammation or its underlying cause, Dr. Reddy may recommend eye drops to reduce swelling and alleviate pain, antibiotics, other medicines, or dark glasses to reduce light sensitivity. She might suggest you avoid wearing contact lenses for a period of time until your eyes heal.
If you have uveitis, surgery might be necessary, in addition to taking medications. Vitrectomy is a procedure that removes part of the vitreous, or jelly-like part, of your eye. Surgical eye implants can slowly release steroid medicines over the course of several years.
If you have cataracts, glaucoma, or vision loss, she might also recommend eye surgery to treat your specific eye disease. Seeking treatment early before serious complications arise can help save your vision.
Don’t live with eye inflammation when it could be a sign of a serious eye disease requiring treatment. Schedule an appointment with Athena Eye Institute over the phone or online today.