General EYE ADVICE

Causes of CIC

Blepharitis (a chronic infection of the lid margins) can sometimes be a cause of CIC. Other causes can be related to air-borne pollutants directly affecting the eyes, such carpet dust, smoke and air pollution. However, these air pollutants have a greater and longer-lasting effect on the nasal passages and sinuses. Air pollutants can cause direct infection to these areas or can inflame them sufficiently so as to cause congestion or blocking of the nasal passages and sinus openings, with consequent build-up of infection. This infection can spread to other areas such as the eyes, ears, throat etc. The condition is chronic in many people nowadays mainly because we live in polluted air environments.

It is the chronic spread of infection from the nasal/sinus areas that is the most common cause of chronic infective conjunctivitis.

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