What are inflammatory ocular surface diseases?

• A group of diseases that cause inflammation on the surface of the eye, including the conjunctiva and cornea.

• Common symptoms are eye redness, discharge, tearing, a burning sensation and discomfort, and sensitivity to light.

• Conjunctivitis can be caused by various reasons including chronic blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis, infectious conjunctivitis, chemical conjunctivitis, and autoimmune diseases.

  • Chronic blepharitis is caused by blockage of the oil glands located on the edge of the eyelids. It causes swelling of the eyelids, discharge and sticky eyes, redness of the eyelid and the conjunctiva, discomfort, burning, a sensation of a foreign body, and blurred vision.

  • Allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by a specific allergen that is around the patient or to which the patient has been exposed (food, irritants, dust, makeup, animals) or a seasonal allergy. It manifests itself in eyelid swelling, eye redness, significant itching, and tearing.

  • Infectious conjunctivitis is usually caused by a virus called adenovirus, which causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. The disease is very common during winter and appears along with redness, discharge, burning, and discomfort.

  • Chemical conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to substances that irritate the conjunctiva, such as chlorine, smoke, contact lenses, and more.

  • Conjunctivitis can also be caused by an autoimmune disease in rare cases.

• Treatment depends on the cause of the inflammation and its severity.