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

When your eyes feel red, swollen, or burning, you’re likely dealing with eye inflammation, a general term for swelling and irritation in any part of the eye. Also known as ocular inflammation, it’s not a single disease—it’s your body’s reaction to infection, allergies, injury, or even autoimmune problems. This isn’t just about discomfort; untreated inflammation can damage your vision over time.

Conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, is the most common form of eye inflammation. It can be viral, bacterial, or allergic, and spreads easily. Then there’s uveitis, inflammation deep inside the eye, near the iris or choroid, which is rarer but more dangerous—it’s linked to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Lyme disease. And let’s not forget dry eye syndrome, a chronic condition where your eyes don’t make enough tears or they evaporate too fast. It’s not just annoying; it creates a constant low-grade inflammation that wears down the eye surface. These aren’t isolated issues—they’re connected. A bad allergy can trigger conjunctivitis, which if ignored, can lead to secondary infections. Dry eyes can make you rub them more, introducing bacteria that cause uveitis. Even some medications, like those for acne or high blood pressure, can dry out your eyes or worsen inflammation.

What you find in the articles below isn’t a random list—it’s a practical guide built from real cases. You’ll see how eye inflammation ties into drug interactions, like how tetracycline can affect eye pressure, or how certain antidepressants worsen dry eye. You’ll learn about topical treatments that work better than others, and why some supplements meant for joint health might actually help your eyes too. There’s no fluff here—just clear, actionable info on what’s really going on when your eyes hurt, and what you can actually do about it.