Most of the time conjunctivitis being viral in origin, there will be recovery even without treatment, whereas diseases like glaucoma, corneal ulcer etc., need urgent treatment. Otherwise they will cause permanent irreversible damage to the structure as well as the functions of the eye.

Some people use eye drops indiscriminately. First of all self medication is dangerous. That too to use the medication prescribed for some other disease is still dangerous.For example to treat an acute glaucoma, one has to use a drug called pilocarpine. If it is given in a case of iridocyclitis it will be disastrous. Similarly, atropine which should be given in a case of iridocyclitis and corneal ulcer, if given in a case of glaucoma, it could cause permanent damage. So cross medication and self medication has got a deleterious effect especially in the treatment of the red eyes.

The common bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with suitable antibiotics and frequent washing of eyes whereas corneal ulcer is treated with antibiotics, atropine and a pad to patch the
eye (to give rest to the eye ). The acute glaucoma in which there is sudden loss of vision with pain, redness, headache and vomiting is treated is treated with pilocarpine drops, systemic acetazolamide or injection mannitol. The iridocyclitis in which there is gradual loss of vision with pain and redness is treated with atropine, antibiotics with local steroids as
well as systemic steroids.

Most of the time the duration between the onset of the disease and initiation of the correct treatment has got an important role on the final result after the treatment in case of red eyes. So if this time is delayed, whatever be the reason, one is bound to lose some amount of vision which he would have saved had he gone to the doctor at the earliest.

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1. Chronic Dry Eyes Or Red Eyes
2. Most Common Cause For Red Eye Symptoms
3. How To Avoid Or Reduce Red Eyes

Patients with systemic diseases and conditions frequently will also have ocular manifestations of those disorders. Recognizing these findings is vital to proper treatment.

Patients who come to our office with complaints of dry eyes, or inflammatory conditions like Iritis, Uveitis, Scleritis or Episcleritis frequently are also suffering form immunological conditions as well. While we can usually treat the ocular conditions effectively, the individual must seek medical treatment from his/her general practitioner for the underlying disorder.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition resulting in inflammation. The Rheumatoid factor attacks the immunoglobulin G (IgG), resulting in the release of inflammatory cytokines from white blood cells causing edema and cell death. The joints are particularly at risk for damage. In the eye, the basement membranes break down; thereby permitting the destruction of the underlying ocular tissue. At first, this occurs at the tear producing gland (lacrimal gland) causing a decrease in tear production, and then dry eye. Episcleritis, the inflammation of the outer most layer of the eye wall, is a common result as well. These conditions are frequently treated with either topical steroids, and/or NSAIDs very effectively. A more serious condition is Uveitis which is an internal inflammation. This may result in permanent damage to the eye. In severe cases Anti-rheumatoid medicines such as Plaquenil must be employed.

HLA-B27 disorders are a group of diseases that present with similar ocular findings. The conditions include Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Arthritis, and Behcet’s Disease; there are other connective tissue disorders as well. The most common ocular finding with these disorders is nongranulomatous Uveitis, and Iritis. Treatment includes pupillary dilation, and topical steroids like Pred Forte. Recurrence frequently occurs, and rapid aggressive treatment is needed to prevent chronic inflammation and ocular damage.

Acne Rosacea presents with pustules, papules, and telangiectasia (small blood vessels in the skin). Ocular findings include chronic blepharitis (lid inflammations), conjunctivitis, meibomian gland break down, corneal thinning and then perforation. Treatment begins with artificial tears and warm compresses, and increases to antibiotic eye drops and steroids drops if needed. Doxycycline, an oral antibiotic has been found to be very affective in curing the blepharitis component of the disorder.

Giant Cell Arteritis is an inflammation of the giant cell arteries in the cranial cavity, and requires emergency treatment. Rapid treatment is required, or the condition can be fatal. The eye doctor may notice changes in the Optic nerve. This patient needs to be hospitalized as soon as possible.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis and Proctitis, are inflammations in the intestinal walls. Ocular manifestations may include Episcleritis and Uveitis. Unlike with the other conditions discussed, IBD may results in Posterior Uveitis which is more serious, and may result in greater ocular damage. Treatment then may require systemic immunosuppressant and injections directly in the eye. This treatment may lead to Cataracts, Glaucoma and Cystoid Macular Edema. Treatment must therefore be carefully monitored.

With immunological disorders the key to proper treatment is rapid, accurate diagnosis. If left untreated, many of these ocular findings can severely damage the eye and reduce vision.

Related posts:

1. Four Common Canine Eye Infections – Dog Eye Infections
2. Most Common Cause For Red Eye Symptoms
3. Iritis – A Serious Inflammatory Condition

Like us, there are many things that can go wrong with your dog’s eyes. Some of the most common dog eye infections include conjunctivitis, uveitis, and scleritis. Treatment can be as simple as application of eye drops, or as serious as emergency surgery. This article will take a look a some of the most common canine eye infections.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a condition that occurs when the mucous membranes of the eye become inflamed. You may know of this condition as “pink eye”, as it occurs commonly in humans too. Conjunctivitis in dogs is usually the result of a viral or bacterial infection. However, allergies and ticks can also be causes. Your dog will have a yellow or clear discharge coming from his eyes. You will need to keep the area around the eyes clean and give him the prescribed medication.

Uveitis

One of the next common dog eye infections is uveitis, a condition which can have lasting negative effects on vision. It is characterized by the inflammation of the uveal tract, which surrounds most of the eye. Dogs with uveitis show symptoms such as light sensitivity, excessive tear production, and eyelid spasms. Uveitis can be secondary to other diseases affecting your dog. Eye ointment or oral medications will help reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, antibiotics or anti-fungal medications may be prescribed. In severe cases, the eye will have to be removed surgically.

Scleritis

Scleritis is also one of the common canine eye infections. This disease causes inflammation of the sclera, the white outer coating that enclosed the eyeball. It usually affects only one eye at a time. Most cases of scleritis occur because of a disease caused by parasites such as Lyme disease or toxoplasmosis. Dogs with scleritis are usually given steroids to treat the condition.

Cherry Eye

One of the final common dog eye infections is cherry eye. This condition results when the gland of the third eyelid protrudes and proceeds to become inflamed. It is usually a problem with younger dogs. In order to treat cherry eye, the gland will have to be replaced surgically.

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2. Eye Problems Associated With Immunological Disorders
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