Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Immunologist · Immunology
Yes, chronic inflammation of the eye can cause significant damage to the eye itself. The main type of damage that can be caused is called inflammatory/infectious keratitis, which is a condition characterized by inflammation and often includes bacterial or viral infection in the cornea.
Infectious and inflammatory keratitis can lead to loss of vision if left untreated. Symptoms include redness, pain, decreased vision, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light), foreign body sensation (feeling like something is in your eye), discharge from your eye and uveitis (inflammation within the middle layer of tissue inside the wall of your eyeball).
When it comes to treatment for this condition, diagnosis usually involves careful examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist as well as medical history taking. Treatment may involve prescription topical antibiotics as well as frequent follow up with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. In more serious cases surgery may be required to remove scar tissue formation on the surface of cornea, improve vision or reduce symptoms such as persistent photophobia or discomfort with bright lights due to inefficient tear film production. Additionally immunosuppressive medications may also be prescribed in severe cases that do not respond well enough from other treatments alone.
It's important to recognize this potential risk involved with chronic inflammation so that you can get early treatment when necessary before any possible permanent damage occurs. If you think you have a problem with chronic inflamed eyes don't hesitate to contact an ophthalmologist right away for professional help!