Uveitis Eye Inflammation Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Eye Infections Might Seem Like A Minor Complaint – But In Some Cases They Can Cause Blindness And Even Death
When you think of eye infections, what comes to mind? Puffy, swollen bruised feeling eyelids that get glued together with gunk overnight? That feeling of having grit in your eye that can't be cleaned away? Eye infections may seem like a relatively minor – if unsightly and inconvenient – complaint, but they can also be far more serious.
Take the deadly outbreak of antibiotic resistant bacteria Burkholderia cepacia in 2023-24, for example.
Between January 2023 and February 2024, contaminated brands of lubricating eye gel were linked to the infection of at least 52 patients. One person died and at least 25 others suffered serious infections.
The outbreak has now subsided and products are back on the shelves but it isn't the first time that medicinal products have led to outbreaks of B cepacia.
The bacteria is an opportunistic pathogen known to pose a significant risk to people with cystic fibrosis, chronic lung conditions and weakened immune systems. The infection likely progresses from the mucous membranes of the eyelids to the lungs where it leads to pneumonia and septicaemia causing death in days.
But it's not just B cepacia that can threaten our health. Something as simple as rubbing our eyes can introduce pathogens leading to infection, blindness and, in the worst case, death.
Bacteria account for up to 70% of eye infections and globally over 6 million people have blindness or moderate visual impairment from ocular infection. Contact lens wearers are at increased risk.
The eye is a unique structure. It converts light energy to chemical and then electrical energy, which is transmitted to the brain and converted to a picture. The eye uses about 6 million cones and 120 million rods which detect colour and light.
Eye cells have no ability to regenerate so, once damaged or injured, cannot be repaired or replaced. The body tries its best to preserve the eyes by encasing them in a bony protective frame and limiting exposure having eyelids to defend against the environmental damage and ensure the eyes are kept lubricated.
Despite our bodies' best efforts to shield the eyes from harm, there are a number of common eye infections that can result from introducing potential pathogens into the eyes.
ConjunctivitisThe outer-most layer of the eye, the sclera, bears the brunt of exposure and to help protect it, it is lined by a thin moist membrane called the conjunctiva.
The conjunctiva is highly vascularised, which means it has lots of blood vessels. When microbes enter the eye, it is this layer that mounts an immune response causing blood vessels to dilate in the conjunctiva. This results in "pink eye", a common form of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, allergens or viruses and typically heals by itself.
BlepharitisBlepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid and usually affects both sides. It can cause itchy eyes and dandruff-like flakes. It's most commonly caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, or the dysfunction of the glands of the eyelids. It can be treated by cleaning the eyes regularly.
StyeA stye (also called hordeolum) is a painful infection of the upper or lower eyelid. Internal styes are caused by infection of an oil-producing gland inside the eyelid, whereas external styes develop at the base of the eyelash because of an infection of the hair follicle. Both are caused by bacteria, typically the S aureus form of the Staphylococcus species.
Styes can be treated by holding a clean flannel soaked in warm water against the affected eye for five to ten minutes, three or four times a day. Do not try to burst styes – this could spread the infection.
KeratitisKeratitis is the inflammation of the cornea, the transparent part of the eye that light passes through. The cornea is part of the eye's main barrier against dirt, germs, and disease. Severe keratitis can cause ulcers, damage to the eye and even blindness.
The most common type is bacterial keratitis; however, it can also be caused by amoeba, which can migrate to other parts of the body – including the brain – and cause infection and even death.
Noninfectious keratitis is most commonly caused by wearing contact lenses for too long, especially while sleeping. This can cause scratches, dryness and soreness of the cornea, which leads to inflammation.
UveitisUveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. Although relatively rare, it is a serious condition and usually results from viral infections such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster or trauma. Depending on where the inflammation is in the eye, the symptoms can be anything from redness, pain and floaters to blurred vision and partial blindness.
Exogenous endophthalmitisThis is a rare but serious infection caused by eye surgery complications, penetrating ocular trauma (being stabbed in the eye with a sharp object) or foreign bodies in the eye. Foreign bodies can be anything from dirt and dust to small projectiles such as shards of metal from drilling, explosives or soil from farm machinery and many other sources.
DacryocystitisDacryocystitis is the inflammation of the nasolacrimal sac, which drains tears away from the eye into the nose. This condition can be acute, chronic or acquired at birth. Most cases are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
The condition mainly affects newborns and those over 40. Seventy-five per cent of cases are women and it's most commonly found in white adults. It can lead to the stagnation of tears, creating a breeding ground for microbes.
Careful with contactsProper eye hygiene reduces the risk of all these conditions – and this is even more important for contact lens wearers.
Appropriate hygienic cleaning of lenses is paramount. Non-sterile water, spit and other fluids can transfer potentially dangerous microbes into the eye – a warm, moist environment that makes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria – leading to localised infection, blindness or progress to a more serious systemic infection or death.
Any persistent and painful redness or swelling of eyes should be checked by a registered health professional.
One Brit Dead In Superbug Outbreak Caused By Contaminated EYE DROPS As Others Fall Sick With Blood Poisoning
A 'SUPERBUG' outbreak linked to bacteria-contaminated eye drops has seen one Brit die and dozens more fall ill.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) traced the outbreak back to three eye gels found to be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia bacteria, an antibiotic resistant bug.
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Three recalled eye gels have been linked to an antibiotic resistant bacteria outbreakCredit: PAThe UK's medicines watchdog pulled the products - AaCarb, Aacomer and Purpotics eye gel - from shelves last year and said healthcare professionals should avoid supplying them to certain patients.
The branded carbomer eye gels are usually given to people suffering with dry eyes.
In a recent report, UKHSA said there had been 52 confirmed cases associated with the outbreak as of March 21, some of whom had blood poisoning.
Another six Brits are also thought to have been sickened after using the eye drops, but UKHSA described these cases as "probable".
Read more on bugs & outbreaksThe bacteria-contaminated eye gels are thought to have "contributed to the death" of one person, the health watchdog said.
It provided no further details on the patient.
The UKHSA believes the outbreak is now over, with most cases occurring last autumn when the three eye products were first recalled.
The public health watchdog issued a recall for the eye gels in November 2023 as a "precautionary measure" due to a "risk of adverse effects" to people with compromised immune systems.
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Hay fever misery as pollen bomb to strike – map reveals worst areas hitBy December, Optometry Today reported that there had been a reduction in Burkholderia cenocepacia cases following the recall.
Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of bacteria that are widely found within the environment that are naturally resistant to many antibiotics.
It rarely causes infections, but can severely sicken people with weakened immune systems and those living with cystic fibrosis, UKHSA said.
Victims span baby to 95-year-oldThe Bcc outbreak affected people across the UK, peaking between October and November last year.
The earliest case was flagged in January 2023 and there have been no more since February this year.
The youngest victim was a baby, while the oldest was 91 years old.
Of the cases, 25 were assessed by UKHSA as being "clinically significant infections" brought on by Burkholderia cenocepacia.
Most of those affected - 41 of them - were already in hospital.
[We are] satisfied that the risk associated with this outbreak has reduced such that there is no longer need to avoid use of carbomer-containing lubricating eye products
UKHSAEleven had eye infections like corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis and deep eye tissue infections, while another nine suffered respiratory tract infections and four more had blood poisoning.
"Testing of products submitted by hospitals with cases, conducted at UKHSA Food Water and Environment laboratories, identified contaminated carbomer-containing lubricating eye products as the source of this outbreak," UKHSA said.
The three contaminated eye products were produced by a single manufacturer based in India, Indiana Ophthalmics.
There's no need to avoid carbomer-containing eye gels that are currently being sold in the UK.
As UKHSA explained: "The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now received sufficient assurance from manufacturers and suppliers to conclude that products available on the UK market are safe to use and free of contamination.
"As of 21 March 2024, UKHSA, MHRA and the Incident Management Team are satisfied that the risk associated with this outbreak has reduced such that there is no longer need to avoid use of carbomer-containing lubricating eye products.
"Therefore, the recommendation to avoid use of all carbomer-containing eye products in individuals with cystic fibrosis, patients being cared for in critical care settings, the severely immunocompromised and patients awaiting lung transplantation has been stepped down."
Officials are keeping an eye out for any new infections, it added.
It's not the first time eye drops have caused a spate of infections.
Bacteria-contaminated artificial tears sold in the US last year resulted in four deaths, 14 people losing their sight and four having their eyeballs removed.
The eye drops - also manufactured in India - were contaminated by a rare and "extremely drug resistant" strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
What are the symptoms of a Burkholderia cepacia infection?
Burkholderia cepacia is the name for a group or "complex" of bacteria that can be found in soil and water.
They're often resistant to bacteria but pose little medical risk to health people.
However, people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. Cepacia.
The effects of B. Cepacia on people vary widely, ranging from no symptoms at all to serious respiratory infections, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the drug-resistant bacteria are a known cause of infections in hospitalised patients.
It said transmission of B. Cepacia from contaminated medicines and devices has been reported.
But it can also be spread to vulnerable people by:
Source: CDC
Global Eye Infections Treatment Industry Expects To Reach US$ 9.9 Billion At A 3.8% CAGR By 2030FMI Study
Global Eye Infections Treatment Industry The Global Eye Infections Treatment Industry is experiencing a significant upswing, according to a recent market analysis. Valued at a staggering US$7.3 billion in 2022, the market is expected to witness consistent growth over the next decade. A projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2022 to 2030 indicates the market will reach a remarkable US$9.9 billion by the end of the period.
The Global Eye Infections Treatment Industry's exceptional performance is driven by several factors, including an increasing prevalence of eye infections and a growing awareness of eye health. Additionally, advancements in medical technologies and innovative treatment modalities have contributed to the market's sustained expansion.
Rising Caseloads
Caseloads of ocular surgical conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy are growing due to sedentary lifestyle habits, and expanding geriatric cohort. According to the US statistics for 2021, cataracts affect over 24 million Americans aged at least 40 years. By age 75, about half of Americans suffer from cataracts. Further, diabetic retinopathy affects nearly 7.7 million Americans aged at least 40 years. Similarly, there were 48,229 corneal transplants performed in the US in 2015.
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Key Takeaways of Eye Infection Treatment Market Study
Demand for eye infection treatment will continue to receive a strong impetus from increasing awareness about different eye infection types and availability of treatment, further complemented by technological advancements on ophthalmology.
Development and Licensing Deals with Multiple Commercialization Partners
Technology developers are laying greater emphasis on developing novel ophthalmic formulation technologies and engaging with commercialization partners to license out proprietary ophthalmic technologies.
For instance, Nicox S.A. Has licensed out ZERVIATE (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% to Eyevance Pharmaceuticals LLC for commercialization of ZERVIATE in the US. SERVICE is the first topical ocular formulation of the antihistamine cetirizine approved for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. In addition, Ocumension Therapeutics is responsible for all development and commercialization activities in the Chinese market for ZERVIATE.
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Demand for Eye Infection Drugs to Slump Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a widened gap between the supply and demand of eye infection treatments. As such, it has significantly reduced ocular surgery rate on a short-term basis and, in turn, post-operative eye infections.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), national healthcare resources redirection and utilization to contain the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to delay and reschedule the treatment of non-critical healthcare conditions for a brief period, including eye care services, and ocular surgeries.
Know More About FMI's Global Eye Infections Treatment Industry Study
Eye infection treatment market, a new study from Future Market Insights, opines on eye infection treatment from 2015 – 2021 and presents demand projections from 2022 – 2030 based on; drug class (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and glucocorticoids), dosage form (tablet, capsule, ophthalmic ointment, and eye drops), indication (conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis, blepharitis, stye or sty (hordeolum), uveitis, cellulitis, and ocular herpes), causative agent (virus, bacteria, fungus, and allergens) and distribution channel (hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and drug stores) across seven prominent regions.
Key Segments of Global Eye Infections Treatment Industry Survey By Drug Class:
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By Dosage Form:
By Indication:
By Causative Agent:
By Distribution Channels:
Author
Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) holds over 12 years of experience in the Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceutical industries. His curious and analytical nature helped him shape his career as a researcher.
Identifying key challenges faced by clients and devising robust, hypothesis-based solutions to empower them with strategic decision-making capabilities come naturally to him. His primary expertise lies in areas such as Market Entry and Expansion Strategy, Feasibility Studies, Competitive Intelligence, and Strategic Transformation.
Holding a degree in Microbiology, Sabyasachi has authored numerous publications and has been cited in journals, including The Journal of mHealth, ITN Online, and Spinal Surgery News.
About Future Market Insights (FMI)
Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.
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