Do you have an inflammatory eye disease? These eye conditions occur as a result of inflammation in the eye. At Retina Consultants of Miami, our team is here to help diagnose and treat these.
Inflammatory eye diseases occur when there is inflammation in the eye. If you’re experiencing inflammation, it may be due to allergies, infection, trauma, irritation, an autoimmune disorder, or injury.
For the best results, receiving an early diagnosis of inflammatory eye diseases and prompt treatment are essential. Some inflammatory eye diseases include:
Keratitis occurs when the cornea becomes inflamed. You may develop keratitis due to parasites, fungi, bacteria, or viruses.
Uveitis is another term for inflammation of the eye. You can have uveitis in both eyes or only one.
It affects a layer of the eye called the uvea. You can also have inflammation in other parts of the eye. Uveitis can be either chronic or acute. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Thyroid eye disease (also called Graves’ Eye Disease) is an autoimmune condition that happens when your immune system causes swelling and inflammation. It also stimulates muscle tissues and fat behind your eye. Many times, hyperthyroidism occurs because of Graves’ Eye Disease.
Conjunctivitis, more commonly referred to as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers the white part of your eye and inside the eyelid.
Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection in the country and can be highly contagious.
Some signs and symptoms of inflammatory eye diseases include:
These symptoms may occur suddenly and get worse quickly. However, some patients may develop symptoms more gradually and slowly over time.
You may also not notice any symptoms, meaning you won’t realize that you’re suffering from inflammation in your eyes. Your eye doctor can diagnose uveitis and other inflammatory eye diseases during a comprehensive eye exam.
If you have an inflammatory eye disease, treatments vary. The most common way to treat these eye diseases is with steroids.
Steroids help reduce inflammation. They can also ease any uncomfortable symptoms you may be experiencing. Most importantly, using steroids can help prevent vision loss.
You may receive steroids in several different forms. Prescription eye drops are the most common steroid method.
You can also receive steroids in the form of pills or inject them with a small needle. If these methods don’t work, your ophthalmologist at Retina Consultants of Miami may recommend a surgical procedure to have an implant placed in your eye containing the steroid.
With the implant, you’ll regularly receive small doses of the steroid over time. If you’re taking steroids, you’ll need to regularly see your eye doctor for eye exams.
Don’t inflammation and inflammatory eye diseases stand in your way of seeing the world around you. Schedule an appointment at Retina Consultants of Miami in Miami, FL, now!
