Managing Inflammatory Eye Diseases—Plus 7 Tips for Patients

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on September 15, 2025

In recognition of Inflammatory Eye Disease Awareness Week (September 15–21)

Inflammatory eye diseases can disrupt daily life, interfere with vision and lead to long-term complications if left untreated. Whether you’ve been diagnosed or are simply seeking ways to protect your eye health, understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options is key. At Missouri Eye Institute, we’re committed to helping patients manage these conditions with clarity and confidence.

What Is Inflammatory Eye Disease?

Inflammatory eye disease refers to a group of conditions where the eye’s tissues become inflamed due to autoimmune reactions, infections or trauma. Common types include uveitis, scleritis and keratitis. These conditions can affect different parts of the eye and may occur suddenly or develop gradually over time.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of inflammatory eye disease vary depending on the type and severity of inflammation. Patients may experience:

• Eye pain or discomfort
• Redness or swelling around the eye
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Floaters or spots in the visual field
• Discharge or excessive tearing
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses due to irritation or contact lens intolerance (CLI)

If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt evaluation by an eye care specialist is essential.

What Causes Inflammatory Eye Disease?

Triggers can include autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, viral or bacterial infections, trauma or post-surgical complications. Improper contact lens hygiene or overwear can also lead to inflammation, especially in the cornea. Understanding your medical history and risk factors helps your provider tailor a treatment plan that addresses the root cause.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risks?

Protecting your eyes starts with proactive care. To reduce your risk of inflammatory eye disease:

1. Follow strict contact lens care guidelines and avoid sleeping in lenses unless prescribed.
2. Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet to prevent dry eye and support eye health.
3. Wash hands before touching your eyes or handling lenses.
4. Schedule regular eye exams, especially if you have autoimmune conditions.
5. Use protective eyewear during sports, yard work or DIY projects.
6. Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes or arthritis.
7. Avoid smoking and limit exposure to environmental irritants.

How Is Inflammatory Eye Disease Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of inflammation. Options may include corticosteroid eye drops, oral medications, immunosuppressants or antibiotics. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Patients who wear contacts may need to temporarily discontinue use to allow the eye to heal. Early diagnosis and consistent follow-up care are crucial to preserving vision and preventing complications.

LASIK and Inflammatory Eye Disease

Patients with active inflammatory eye disease are typically not candidates for LASIK. However, those with well-controlled conditions may still explore LASIK in Missouri after a thorough evaluation. At Missouri Eye Institute, we assess each patient’s unique situation to determine if laser vision correction is safe and effective. For contact lens wearers with chronic inflammation, LASIK may offer a long-term alternative to reduce irritation and improve comfort.

Inflammatory eye disease doesn’t have to define your vision journey. With expert care, personalized treatment and ongoing support, you can protect your sight and live with confidence. During Inflammatory Eye Disease Awareness Week, we encourage you to prioritize your eye health and schedule a consultation with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear contact lenses if I have inflammatory eye disease? 

It depends on the severity and type. Your provider may recommend discontinuing use during flare-ups or switching to daily disposables.

Are daily disposable lenses safer for inflammation-prone eyes? 

Yes, they reduce the risk of buildup and infection, which can trigger inflammation. You may wish to consider permanent vision correction such as LASIK, PRK or RLE to reduce or eliminate your dependence on contacts to keep lenses from irritating your eyes.

Can LASIK help reduce contact lens-related inflammation? 

In some cases, yes. LASIK can eliminate the need for contacts, reducing irritation and risk of corneal inflammation.

Can contact lens solution cause eye inflammation? 

Some people react to preservatives in multipurpose solutions. Switching to preservative-free or hydrogen peroxide-based systems may help.

Should I stop wearing contacts during allergy season? 

If you experience increased redness or discomfort, switching to glasses temporarily may reduce symptoms.

Can I resume contact lens use after treatment? 

Yes, once inflammation is controlled and your provider approves. A gradual reintroduction may be recommended. You may also wish to consult Missouri Eye Institute about getting out of contact lenses permanently through laser vision correction.

Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses, with convenient locations in Springfield, Joplin and Branson. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough consultation or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.