Ophthalmia is inflammation or swelling of the eye, often caused by an underlying medical condition. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common cause and can be treated with antibiotics. Neonatal conjunctivitis can occur in newborns during delivery and requires prompt treatment to avoid blindness. Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare condition that can lead to complete loss of vision and is caused by trauma to the eye.
The term ophthalmia can refer to any inflammation or swelling of the eye, although it is more commonly used to describe severe inflammation associated with an underlying medical condition. Animals, including sheep, goats, horses, dogs and cats, can also experience swollen eyes due to an infection or disease. Ophthalmia most commonly affects the conjunctiva, the membrane that moistens and protects the eye, and the inner eyelid.
While many people experience swollen eyes from allergies, a cold, insect bites, or other minor problems, inflammation diagnosed as ophthalmia is typically the result of a more serious condition. Any persistent eye swelling should be evaluated by a doctor for a proper diagnosis. This is especially true if it is accompanied by pain or vision changes. Swelling that isn’t the result of a medical condition can often be treated at home with ice packs or cold packs placed on the eye and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen.
Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is one of the most common causes of ophthalmia. Pink eye usually causes redness and itching in combination with significant swelling. Bacterial and viral infections are the most common causes of the condition. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Viral infections need to clear up on their own, which usually takes two to three weeks. Pink eye is extremely contagious, so people with the infection should be cautious to avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, and wash their hands regularly.
Neonatal conjunctivitis, or ophthalmia neonatorum, is a bacterial eye infection that can occur in newborns during delivery. Mothers infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea can pass bacteria through the birth canal that can infect the baby’s eyes, causing redness, swelling and crusting. The condition is usually treatable with prescription eye drops, but can lead to blindness if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare condition that occurs after trauma to the eye. Symptoms often don’t show up until several months, or even years, after an injury. Often the only signs of the condition are floating spots that blur the individual’s field of vision and swelling of the uvea or middle layer of the eye. Sympathetic ophthalmia often leads to complete loss of vision. Surgery and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to reduce swelling and attempt to preserve vision.
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