Eye Inflammation: A Detailed Guide to Types and Treatment of Conjunctivitis

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye (sclera) and the inner surface of the eyelids. It is one of the most common eye diseases, affecting people of all ages. Inflammation can be caused by various factors, leading to redness, itching, tearing, and discomfort. Understanding the causes and types of conjunctivitis is key to effective treatment and the prevention of complications.

Types of conjunctivitis: causes and manifestations

Conjunctivitis is classified according to its cause. The main types include:

• Viral conjunctivitis: Often caused by adenoviruses and is highly contagious. It usually starts in one eye and then spreads to the other. It is characterized by redness, tearing, a sensation of "sand" in the eyes, and is sometimes accompanied by cold symptoms (runny nose, sore throat).
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Caused by bacteria (e.g., staphylococci, streptococci). It manifests with abundant purulent discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together after sleep. The eyes are red and swollen, and there may be mild itching.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Occurs as a reaction to allergens (pollen, dust, animal dander, cosmetics). It is characterized by severe itching, redness, eyelid swelling, and abundant tearing. This type of inflammation is often associated with so-called type 2 inflammation, which is also observed in chronic airway diseases such as asthma and involves the activation of eosinophils and immunoglobulin E (IgE) [6].
• Irritant (toxic) conjunctivitis: Caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, foreign bodies, or prolonged contact lens wear. Symptoms include redness, burning, and discomfort.
• Autoimmune and chronic conjunctivitis: In some cases, conjunctivitis can be a manifestation of systemic autoimmune diseases. Treatment for such conditions, like other autoimmune processes, requires a comprehensive approach, sometimes involving the use of immunomodulatory drugs.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• Redness of one or both eyes.
• Itching or burning in the eyes.
• A sensation of a foreign body or "sand" in the eyes.
• Tearing or, conversely, dryness.
• Eye discharge (clear, mucous, or purulent).
• Eyelid swelling.
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis is usually performed by an ophthalmologist based on medical history, visual examination, and symptom assessment. In some cases, a conjunctival swab for laboratory analysis (bacteriological culture, PCR) may be required to accurately identify the pathogen, especially in bacterial or chronic forms.

Modern approaches to treating conjunctivitis

Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its type and severity. General principles for treating inflammatory diseases, as with ulcerative colitis, include suppressing the inflammatory response and eliminating the cause [1].

• Viral conjunctivitis: Specific treatment is often not required, as the disease usually resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks. Artificial tears may be recommended to relieve symptoms, along with cold compresses. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Treated with antibacterial eye drops or ointments. It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms have improved, to prevent recurrence.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: The main task is to avoid contact with the allergen. Antihistamine eye drops and mast cell stabilizers are used to relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, short courses of topical corticosteroids may be prescribed, which are also used to control inflammation in other conditions, such as chronic airway diseases [6].
• Chronic and autoimmune conjunctivitis: These forms require more complex and prolonged treatment. Immunomodulatory drugs, such as cyclosporine in the form of eye drops, may be used. In the systemic therapy of various autoimmune diseases, including ulcerative colitis, immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine) and biological agents (infliximab) are used [1]. New classes of drugs are also being investigated, such as JAK inhibitors, which show potential in treating certain inflammatory dermatoses [7] and may be promising for other autoimmune conditions. Although curcumin and Curcuma longa extract are being studied in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, due to their anti-inflammatory properties [3], their use in conjunctivitis requires further research and is not standard practice. In cases where autoimmune processes affect B-cells, as in multiple sclerosis, anti-CD20 agents such as ocrelizumab [8] may be used, highlighting the diversity of approaches to immunomodulation.

Prevention and prognosis

Prevention of conjunctivitis includes following hygiene rules:

• Frequent hand washing, especially after contact with sick individuals or touching the face.
• Avoiding touching the eyes.
• Not sharing towels, cosmetics, or eye drops with other people.
• Regular replacement of contact lenses and proper care for them.
• In case of allergic conjunctivitis, minimizing contact with known allergens.

The prognosis for most types of conjunctivitis is favorable, and with timely and adequate treatment, the disease resolves without serious consequences. However, chronic and autoimmune forms may require long-term monitoring and maintenance therapy.

Sources

• [1] Sandborn, W. J., & Hanauer, S. B. (2011). Current treatment of ulcerative colitis. World journal of gastroenterology, 17(29), 3329–3341. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21912469/
• [3] Zhang, X., Li, Y., Wu, X., Li, Z., & Gao, Y. (2022). Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the Treatment of 10 Types of Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 31 Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in immunology, 13, 970631. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35979355/
• [6] Hinks, T. S. C., & Wagers, S. S. (2025). Type 2 inflammation, a common denominator in chronic airway disease?. Current opinion in pulmonary medicine, 31(1), 1–7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40104899/
• [7] Al-Hussaini, M., & Al-Hussaini, A. (2026). JAK Inhibitors for Treatment of Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Sweet Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports. Dermatology research and practice, 2026, 1–11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42472066/
• [8] Al-Hussaini, M., & Al-Hussaini, A. (2026). FCGR3A Polymorphism Controls B-Cell Repopulation Kinetics in People With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab. Neurology(R) neuroimmunology & neuroinflammation, 13(1), e200100. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42579840/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for reference purposes only and cannot serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified physician for individual recommendations and therapy prescription.