Keratitis is an inflammation or infection of the cornea. Keratitis often develops as the result of an infection, but can also be caused by a small scratch or prolonged contact lens wear. If left untreated, keratitis can lead to serious complications and can permanently damage vision.
Types of Keratitis
There are several types of keratitis. They include:
- Bacteria infection
- Fungal infection
- Viral infection
- Photokeratitis
Causes of Keratitis
There are several causes for keratitis. They may include the following:
- An injury to the eye
- Improper contact lens hygiene
- Topical medication
- Exposure to contaminated water
- Eyelids that do not close completely
- Dry eyes
- Allergic eye diseases
Symptoms of Keratitis
Symptoms of keratitis may include the following:
- Pain in the eyes
- Impaired vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Red eyes
- Tearing eyes
- Discharge from the eyes
Complications of Keratitis
If left untreated bacterial keratitis can lead to the following:
- Blindness
- Loss of the eye
- Scarring of the cornea
- Vision loss
Diagnosis of Keratitis
Diagnosis of keratitis is made after a thorough medical examination of the eyes by a physician. Some of the following tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis:
- Fluorescein examination of the cornea
- Measurement of the curve of the cornea
- Refraction examination
- Slit-lamp examination
- Vision test
- Biopsy
- Blood test
It is important to see a doctor for a complete eye exam in order to detect any infections at the first sign of symptoms.
Treatment of Keratitis
Treatment of keratitis should begin as soon as possible to avoid complications. The type of treatment method depends on the type and the cause of the condition but may include some of the following:
- Antibacterial medication
- Anti-fungal medication
- Antiviral medication
- Patching
- Corneal transplant for severe cases
The doctor will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on each patient's individual condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Keratitis
1. What is keratitis?
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It can be caused by infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic), injury, or underlying health conditions. Keratitis can result in symptoms ranging from mild irritation to significant vision loss if not treated properly.
2. What are the symptoms of keratitis?
Common symptoms of keratitis include:
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness in the eye
- Blurry or decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Tearing or excessive watering of the eye
- Gritty or foreign body sensation
- Swelling or discharge from the eye
3. What causes keratitis?
Keratitis can be caused by various factors, including:
- Bacterial infections: Often from contact lenses, eye injuries, or a compromised immune system.
- Viral infections: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of viral keratitis.
- Fungal infections: Commonly linked to injury from plant material or exposure to contaminated water.
- Parasitic infections: Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious condition, is associated with contact lens use and exposure to contaminated water.
- Injury: Trauma to the eye, such as a scratch, can lead to inflammation and infection.
- Dry eyes: Severe dryness can make the cornea vulnerable to irritation and infection.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and certain medications can increase the risk.
4. Who is at risk for keratitis?
Individuals at higher risk for developing keratitis include:
- Contact lens wearers, especially those who do not follow proper lens care and hygiene.
- People with eye injuries or corneal abrasions.
- Individuals who have dry eyes or suffer from autoimmune diseases.
- Those who have recently experienced a cold sore or herpes simplex virus infection.
- People who have been exposed to contaminated water (e.g., swimming in lakes or using unclean contact lens solution).
5. How is keratitis diagnosed?
An eye care professional diagnoses keratitis through:
- A comprehensive eye exam, where the eye doctor will examine the cornea using a slit lamp (a special microscope).
- Fluorescein staining: A special dye is applied to the eye to highlight any scratches, ulcers, or infections on the cornea.
- Cultures or samples: If an infection is suspected, a sample from the cornea may be taken to identify the cause (bacterial, viral, or fungal).
6. How is keratitis treated?
Treatment for keratitis depends on the underlying cause:
- Bacterial keratitis: Treated with antibiotics in the form of eye drops or oral medication.
- Viral keratitis: Antiviral medications, often in the form of eye drops or oral pills, are used to treat infections like herpes simplex.
- Fungal keratitis: Antifungal eye drops or oral medications are prescribed.
- Parasitic keratitis: Acanthamoeba infections require specific anti-parasitic treatments, and treatment may be more prolonged and complex.
- Steroid eye drops: Sometimes used under close medical supervision for inflammation, particularly after infection is controlled.
