Inflammation of the eye – clinical pictures | Inflammation of the eye

Inflammation of the eye – clinical pictures

A barleycorn (hordeolum) is the result of a bacterial inflammation of the sebaceous and sweat glands on the eyelid. Eyelid inflammation is also known as blepharitis. A distinction is made between an inner barleycorn (hordeolum internum), which forms on the inner side of the eyelid, and an outer barleycorn (hordeolum externum), which forms on the outer edge of the eyelid.

The cause for the formation of a barleycorn is almost always a purulent infection with bacteria that occur naturally on the skin and mucous membranes (mouth and throat) of humans (often Staphylococcus aureus). These normally harmless bacteria can get into the eye via the hands and cause an inflammatory accumulation of pus (abscess) in the form of a barley grain. A barleycorn can be seen as a reddened small lump either on the inside or outside of the eyelid.

The skin around the barleycorn is swollen, sensitive to pressure and painful. The ophthalmologist makes the diagnosis of a barleycorn by means of a gaze diagnosis: an outer barleycorn can be identified as such at first glance, whereas an inner hordeolum only becomes visible to the outside world when the eyelid is turned down. A barleycorn must not be expressed under any circumstances, because then there is a risk that the bacteria will be squeezed into the bloodstream and the infection will spread.

In most cases the barleycorn heals spontaneously within a few days. This process can be accelerated by the application of heat (for example by red light irradiation). If the process is complicated, the doctor may have to prescribe antibiotic eye drops or oral antibiotics.

It may also be possible for a large barleycorn to be opened by the ophthalmologist so that the pus can drain away. Further details about the clinical picture “barleycorn” can be found here: Barleycorn – What to do The most common inflammatory disease of the eye is conjunctivitis. In most cases, this is an infection with viruses or bacteria, whereas non-infectious conjunctivitis (due to toxic influences, other systemic diseases or allergies) is much rarer.

Especially people who suffer from dry eyes or contact lens wearers are particularly susceptible to conjunctivitis, as irritation of the conjunctiva can promote bacterial or viral infection. Especially the viral conjunctivitis, which is caused by adenoviruses or herpes viruses, is extremely contagious. The typical symptoms of conjunctivitis are red eyes, itching, a burning and feeling of pressure on the eye and a swollen conjunctiva.

The infection causes the eyes to secrete more and more and the eyes easily become sticky. Also a foreign body sensation in the eye and light shyness are characteristics of conjunctivitis. A conjunctivitis can occur on one or both sides.

Often the inflammation spreads to the cornea, this clinical picture is called keratoconjunctivitis. A conjunctivitis does not have to be treated in every case and often heals spontaneously. Depending on the cause and progression, treatment with antibiotics or antivirals (e.g. Aciclovir) may be necessary in severe cases.Contact lens wearers should in any case avoid contact lenses for the duration of the disease and switch to glasses.

The cornea is the transparent foremost part of the eyeball and consists of several superimposed layers of cells. Due to its curvature, the cornea mainly serves to refract the incident light, which enables us to see sharply. In corneal inflammation (keratitis), one or more layers of the cornea become inflamed, causing the cornea to become slightly cloudy or even a small white spot to form.

The causes of corneal inflammation are many and varied, but in most cases it is caused by an infection with bacteria or viruses. Contact lens wearers in particular have an increased risk of developing corneal inflammation because the contact lenses may be contaminated with germs. In addition, contact lenses supply the cornea with less oxygen, which makes it easier for infections to spread.

Regular changing and thorough cleaning before insertion reduces the risk of disease. Pain, a reddened and watery eye are signs of corneal inflammation. In addition, those affected feel a pronounced foreign body sensation in the eye and are afraid of light.

In many cases, the infection spreads to surrounding structures and in addition, an inflammation of the conjunctiva (keratoconcunctivitis) occurs, causing the eyes to water more and secrete a mucous secretion. The treatment of keratitis depends on the cause: bacterial inflammation is treated with antibiotics, whereas antiviral drugs are used for viruses. Since corneal inflammation can also take a serious course and in the worst case leaves permanent visual damage, it is important to consult a doctor in good time and initiate treatment.

An inflammation of the iris is also called uveitis. The inner skin of the eye, the vascular skin (uvea), is affected. The uvea consists of the iris, the ciliary body muscle and the choroid (Chorioidea).

In uveitis, any part of the uvea can be inflamed and accordingly, a distinction is made between anterior, middle and posterior uveitis. Common causes of uveitis are infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Autoimmune processes or an accompanying underlying disease can also lead to inflammation of the iris.

In some cases, however, there is no identifiable trigger (idiopathic course of the disease). Anti-inflammatory ointments (cortisone ointments) and eye drops are suitable for treatment. A treated uveitis heals after a few weeks and has a good prognosis. In severe cases, however, the inflammation may become chronic, which significantly increases the risk of complications (such as glaucoma or cataracts). The most relevant information on iritis can be found in the following articles:

  • Inflammation of the iris
  • Uveitis