When the eyes are inflamed, they become red, swollen and can water. Some people also suffer from severe pain and a significant reduction in vision.
Causes of Eye Inflammation
Eye inflammation can be traced back to numerous different causes.
- Infections due to bacteria, viruses or fungi are the main causes. A purulent discharge is a sign of bacterial infection.
- Dry eyes are particularly susceptible to eye inflammation. The eye’s immune system has only a limited effect when the tear film is impaired. In such conditions, pathogens can gain access more easily and cause inflammation.
- Allergic reactions such as hay fever, autoimmune diseases, and environmental irritants such as draughts, dust particles or sunshine.
- Mechanical irritants, such as when an eyelash grows into the eye, can also result in inflammation of the eye.
- Cataract surgery, while the incision is very small, it can create inflammation in the cornea, anterior chamber, and iris. Also, microscopic remnants of the cataract are often left in the anterior chamber of the eye, which lead to continued release of inflammatory factors.
- LASIK surgery (a type of refractive surgery for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) some inflammation of the cornea after the surgery is normal.
Treatment of Eye Inflammation
If eye inflammation is recognized and treated in time, the healing process is usually uncomplicated. Antibiotic eye drops are used for treatment if bacteria is the cause of the infection.
In the case of an allergic reaction, contact with the allergen should be avoided where possible.
Antiviral eye drops are frequently used against viral infections. Eye ointments containing cortisone are also often prescribed.
Corticosteroids
- Betnesol eye/ear/nose drops (betamethasone)
- FML eye drops (fluorometholone)
- Hydrocortisone eye drops and ointment
- Maxidex eye drops (dexamethasone)
- Pred forte eye drops (prednisolone)
- Sofradex eye and ear drops (dexamethasone, framycetin, gramicidin)
- Tobradex eye drops (tobramycin, dexamethasone)
Which Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drop Raises Intraocular Pressure?
As Dr. William Barry Lee’s answer from aao.org, the only anti-inflammatory drops that raise eye pressure are corticosteroids. If corticosteroids are avoided, the eye pressure will remain normal if no underlying predisposition to elevated pressure exists.
The most common class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are often referred to as NSAIDs, and they do not cause elevated eye pressure. These eye drops are used to prevent and treat eye inflammation and pain following surgery or laser treatment.
These include:
- Voltaren Ophthalmic (Diclofenac)
- Acular (Ketorolac)
- Flurbiprofen (Ocufen)
- Bromday (Bromfenac)
- Nevanac (Nepafanac)
Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine (Restasis) is another anti-inflammatory drop that does not increase eye pressure. It is commonly used to treat the inflammation of conditions such as dry eye syndrome or systemic conditions leading to ocular inflammation.
Other Medications for Sore Or Irritated Eyes
These drops can be bought from pharmacies to relieve sore, red, bloodshot, or irritated eyes caused by things like dusty or smoky atmospheres, eye strain or chlorine in swimming pools.
- Naphcon-a (naphazoline)
- Optrex sore eyes (witch hazel)
Reference:
- aao.org
- hylo.de
- drugs.com
- netdoctor.co.uk
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