Infectious conditions of the eye include conjunctivitis, inflammation of the tear sac (dacryocystitis), inflammation of the uvea or middle layer covering the eyeball (uveitis), infection of the eyelids (blepharitis) and styes. Retinal infection (retinitis) can also occur in people with a compromised immune system.
If any of these infections do not respond to anti-inflammatory treatment or if itching or pain persists for more than 24 hours, consult your doctor as soon as possible. If suffering vision loss, go straight to a hospital accident and emergency department. Although the causes of eye inflammation may be environmental (wind, cold, dust), they can lead to, or be caused by, a viral or bacterial infection. An inflamed eye can also be due to seborrhoeic dermatitis (see Scalp problems) that usually affects the scalp and eyebrows.