Keratitis

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.