"Your Chance Of Eye Disorders Is Reduced With An Anti Inflammatory Diet
Eye Disorders Associated With Chronic Inflammation Include:
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Fungal Conjunctivitis
- Viral Conjunctivitis
- Uveitis
- Keratic Precipitates
- Macular Degeneration
- Inflammation response after intra-ocular lens implantation and many others
Inflammation is a common immune response to injury and infection in the body.
In the cornea, inflammation can cause extreme discomfort and result in vision loss.
However, the cornea retains a remarkable capacity for wound repair while actively suppressing an inflammatory response.
Eye infections or inflammation can occur in different locations.
They cause redness as well as possible itching, discharge, pain, vision problems, other eye disorders and even blindness.
Inflammatory eye disorders may be associated with different autoimmune disorders and connective tissue disorders as well.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva.
Sjögren's syndrome is also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis . The most common symptoms of the disorder are dry mouth and dry eyes
Other eye disorders that cause red eyes and inflammation include:
- Optic neuritis which is inflammation or demyelination of the optic nerve, the nerve that transmits light and visual images from the retina to the brain.
Because the nerve is located behind the globe of the eye, the condition is also known as retrobulbar neuritis.
It has been estimated that about 66% of people with multiple sclerosis will have at least one episode of optic neuritis.
Frequently, it is the first symptom of MS. Optic neuritis causes acute blurring or loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time.
- Iritis which is inflammation within the eye, similar to how arthritis is inflammation within a joint.
Herpes can cause iritis by itself, or in combination with a corneal infection.
Symptoms of iritis usually can include sensitivity to light, aching, and blurred vision.
Treatment is with anti-inflammatory eyedrops with or without antiviral eyedrops, and close follow-up by an ophthalmologist.
- Conjunctivitis, sometimes called pink eye, is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the sclera and inside of the eyelids.
Conjunctivitis may be caused by bacteria or viruses, making it very contagious.
- Behçet's disease is an autoimmune disease that results from damage to blood vessels throughout the body, particularly veins.
In an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks and harms the body's own tissues.
The exact cause is unknown. It is believed that an autoimmune reaction may cause blood vessels to become inflamed, but it is not clear what triggers this reaction.
Behçet's disease affects each person differently. The most common symptoms are:
- Mouth Sores
- Genital Sores
- Inflammation Inside Of The Eye
- And Skin Problems
- Arthritis
- Blood Clots
- Inflammation in the central nervous system and digestive organs
Inflammation inside of the eye (uveitis, retinitis, and iritis) occurs in more than half of those with Behçet's disease and can cause blurred vision, pain, and redness.
- Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly.
In addition, inflammation of the surface of the eye may occur along with dry eye.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, ulcers, or scars on the cornea, and some loss of vision.
However, permanent loss of vision from dry eye is uncommon.
Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period of time, and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments.
Infrequent blinking, associated with staring at computer or video screens, may also lead to dry eye symptoms.
- Uveitis is an eye disorder that can occur as an autoimmune disease or as a result of injury, infection, or exposure to toxins.
Uveitis is characterized by inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which is known as the uvea.
- Shingles may cause redness of the eye.
It can also cause small scratches or scarring of the cornea. The scratches on the cornea may increase the risk of bacterial infection in the eye and damage to the cornea can occur.
Shingles may also cause inflammation inside the eye, known as iritis or uveitis.
It can also affect the optic nerve or the retina.
- Herpes zoster infections of the eye can lead to:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Sensitivity To Light
- Blurred Vision
Severe or repeated episodes of herpes zoster infection are associated with other eye disorders including:
- Glaucoma
- Scarring inside the eye
- And Cataract Formation
- Episcleritis, sometimes occurs in the superficial layers just above the sclera.
The sclera is the fibrous covering of the eye that shows up as a dense white layer beneath the transparent conjunctiva.
It's a relatively mild nodular inflammation.
It occurs more often in young and middle aged adults and usually improves without treatment.
In more severe cases, treatment with anti-inflammatory medication may be necessary.
Inflammation of the deeper sclera, called scleritis, is more severe and is often painful.
It occurs more frequently in older people and may be associated with underlying disorders, such as tuberculosis or rheumatoid arthritis.
However, the cause of scleritis is often not discovered.
- Venereal Eye Disease?
Nearly all diseases which are considered to be sexually transmitted diseases can have significant ocular involvement.
This can occur as a direct infection, as with gonorrhea or chlamydia, or as a secondary infection, as with AIDS.
Therefore, it is important to inform your ophthalmologist of any sexually transmitted diseases which you may have been treated for if you are having an eye problem.
The most common treatment for eye disorders includes the administration of eye drops which contain emollients and other ingredients designed to ease the discomfort due to the inflammation and to eliminate the redness associated with the condition.
These treatments however, have not been entirely satisfactory.
While not all eye disorders can be prevented, a lot can be done to slow the progression and prevent visual impairment.
Eye disorders among the elderly are a major health problem and like so many other aspects of your health, diet and nutrition can have a profound effect on your vision.
There are a number of ways in which to care for your eyes.
The importance of good nutrition cannot be emphasized enough.
Eat anti inflammatory foods , along with protection from the sun, are a few simple steps towards maintaining optimal eye health.
Studies have shown that Omega 3 Fish Oil may slow the progression of vision loss from macular degeneration and reverse the signs of dry eye syndrome.
High amounts of DHA are found in the retina and it is an important component of normal vision.
Omega 3 Fish oil contains EPA and DHA, which targets possible retinopathy, caused by diabetes and dry eye syndrome.
It also provides protection against macular degeneration .
Minerals and nutrients are also important in neutralizing the effects of harmful free radicals, thus reducing the risk of age related eye problems.
There is also a relationship between obesity and poor eye sight, so it is essential to lose weight if it has become an issue for you.
Obesity not only increases the chances of diabetes, and thus diabetes related eye problems, it has also been implicated in an increased risk of:
Sunglasses that block sun exposure from all angles are also important.
Make sure that you wear a good quality brand that complies with UV protection standards.
It is now known that smoking harms the delicate tissues of the eyes.
Studies have shown that those who smoke are considerably more likely to develop cataracts and age related macular degeneration.
New research has also shown eye disorders can be linked to statin drug use in some patients.
The study appears in the Dec. 1 issue of Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Lots of research is being done on the eyes though the National Eye Institute.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) was established by Congress in 1968 to protect and prolong the vision of the American people.
NEI research:
- Leads to sight-saving treatments
- Reduces visual impairment and blindness
- And improves the quality of life for people of all ages
NEI-supported research has advanced our knowledge of how the visual system functions in health and disease.
VisiVite- A Trusted Name in Eye Vitamins.
Macular Degeneration
Return From Eye Disorders Page to Inflammation Information Home
