Small foreign particles that end up in the eye will normally float into the corner of the eye with the lachrymal fluid from where they can be removed. Foreign objects, however, are not always directed away in this manner. The eye is very sensitive towards even the smallest externally approaching particles and infection or catarrh can easily occur if a foreign body or impurity like a dust particle gets stuck in the eye.
Scratches from foreign objects that get stuck to the white of the eye or on the pupil can result in a superficial damage to the cornea which will be a nuisance for one or more days but it will not necessarily cause infection. Bacteria, chlorine water, overexertion of the eyes, stress, and a reduced immune defence can result in infectious conditions of the eye.
An inflammation of the eyes can last from a day to a week. The symptoms are: Stinging, itching, pain, and a feeling of gravel (pus) in the eyes. The eyelid will become swollen and red and the eye will become more and more watery. Keeping the eye open can also be difficult and the eye can become sticky or totally close which can make vision difficult. The eye itself can also become slightly more red.
The infection often gets worse at night because the bacteria propagate when the eyes are closed and the infection is extremely contagious so you should be careful not to transmit infection from one eye to the other.
If the pus in the eye has a more mucous consistency and if the eye itches like an insect bite, it can be an indication of allergic eye catarrh.
Runny eyes or floods of tears can also be caused by an inflammation in the mucosa of the lachrymal canals after sinusitis.
If the air is very dry, the eye can become deficient in lachrymal fluid and cause inflammation of the eyes. This can happen in some diseases of the connective tissue, in Sjogren's syndrome where the blinking reflex of the eye does not function and in vitamin A deficiency. You can also see "Dryness of eyes ".
Other eye infections
The cornea
The cornea is the most external and therefore most exposed part of the eye. For this reason, it often becomes exposed to damages and bacterial infections. Foreign objects reaching the eye and penetrating the cornea can cause greyish white wounds to the cornea. Since the cornea is highly innervated, it is very sensitive to pain. Wounds to the cornea will usually result in a red, bloodshot eye that will be hypersensitive to light, as well as pain and a flood of tears.
Blurred vision or vision disturbances can occur and wounds to the cornea can in serious cases lead to blindness so it is important to contact a doctor quickly if you suffer from any of the mentioned symptoms. An infection that occurs in the cornea without the presence of an external damage is most often caused by a virus, e.g. the herpes simplex virus which often causes wounds to the cornea which can be difficult to locate.
The conjunctiva
The conjunctiva which coats the inside of the eyelid can become infected. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane coating the inner surfaces of the eye and the frontal part of the eyeball.
Infection of the conjunctiva can be caused by foreign objects, various infections, and allergic reactions. The eye itches, becomes irritated, red, bloodshot, runny, and you will have a feeling of gravel in your eyes when you blink. In relation to bacterial infections, the eyelids can stick together when waking up in the morning.
Viral infections will cause an increased stream of tears and usually only affect one eye. Allergic reaction to e.g. chemical substances in cosmetics or pollen, for example, can be the cause of short or more long-lasting uncomfortableness. Only seldomly does an inflammation of the cornea lead to more serious complications.
The iris
An iris infection only rarely occurs, but can mostly be found among young adult people. The infection implicates a seepage of parts of the cells of the iris into the fluid of the anterior chamber of the eye. An opacity of the fluid will appear or an adhesion between the front of the lens and the iris will occur. This will result in an uneasiness which will be provoked by strong light and the eye will become red. The vision can also be impaired.
Too high blood pressure can also occur and cause pain. If your eye itches and your eyeball gets more and more red, you should consult an ophthalmologist. Inflammation of the iris can occur in connection with diseases such as Bechterew's disease or osteoarthritis.
