Eye Inflammation: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your eye feels red, swollen, or burning, you’re likely dealing with eye inflammation, a common response to infection, injury, or autoimmune triggers that affects the tissues around or inside the eye. Also known as ocular inflammation, it’s not just discomfort—it can signal something deeper if left unchecked. Many people brush it off as allergies or tired eyes, but persistent redness or vision changes aren’t normal. The eye is delicate, and inflammation can involve the conjunctiva (the clear surface), the uvea (the middle layer), or even the cornea. Each type has different causes, risks, and treatments.

conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, is the most common form of eye inflammation and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. It’s highly contagious and usually clears up on its own—but not always. Then there’s uveitis, a more serious condition that affects the inner eye and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Unlike conjunctivitis, uveitis often comes with eye pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, and it’s frequently linked to autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or infections like Lyme disease. Even something as simple as a scratched cornea or prolonged contact lens wear can trigger inflammation. And while many assume it’s just an eye issue, the truth is, your overall health plays a big role. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or even recent surgeries can increase your risk.

What you do next matters. Over-the-counter drops might help with mild irritation from allergies, but using the wrong ones—like steroid eye drops without a doctor’s direction—can make things worse. Some medications, including certain antibiotics or glaucoma treatments, can also cause inflammation as a side effect. And if you’ve had recent eye surgery or wear contacts daily, you’re in a higher-risk group. The key is recognizing the difference between temporary redness and warning signs: worsening pain, vision changes, or discharge that’s thick and yellow-green. Those aren’t things to wait out.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides that cut through the noise. From understanding how common drugs can trigger eye issues to learning what treatments actually work for different types of inflammation, these posts give you the facts without the fluff. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn case of pink eye, suspect uveitis, or just want to know when to skip the drugstore drops and call your doctor, you’ll find clear answers here.