8 Signs You May Have Keratitis -- Symptoms, Causes, Effects, Treatment and Prevention
Keratitis refers to inflammation of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, injury, or underlying conditions. It can be categorized into infectious and non-infectious forms. Infectious keratitis is commonly caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, while non-infectious keratitis can result from factors such as trauma, contact lens wear, dry eyes, or autoimmune diseases. Here is an explanation of keratitis, along with its symptoms, diagnosis, causes, effects, treatment, and prevention:
Symptoms of Keratitis:
The symptoms of keratitis may include:
- Eye redness and pain
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
- Foreign body sensation or itching in the eye
- Eye discharge or crusting
- Eye irritation or a gritty feeling
- Eye swelling or eyelid redness
Diagnosis of Keratitis:
The diagnosis of keratitis is typically made by an eye care professional, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist. It may involve the following:
- Comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity testing and assessment of the cornea
- Evaluation of symptoms and medical history, including contact lens use and recent eye trauma
- Examination of the cornea using a slit-lamp biomicroscope
- Collection of corneal samples for laboratory analysis (in infectious cases)
- Special imaging tests, such as corneal confocal microscopy or optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Causes of Keratitis:
Keratitis can have various causes, including:
- Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections
- Trauma or injury to the cornea
- Contact lens-related factors, such as improper hygiene or extended wear
- Dry eye syndrome or insufficient tear production
- Autoimmune or inflammatory diseases affecting the eye
- Exposure to environmental irritants or allergens
Effects of Keratitis:
If left untreated or not managed properly, keratitis can lead to various complications, including:
- Corneal ulcers or erosions
- Scarring or opacity of the cornea
- Vision loss or decreased visual acuity
- Eye discomfort or chronic pain
- Recurrent or chronic episodes of keratitis
Treatment of Keratitis:
The treatment of keratitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It may involve:
- Antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, or antiparasitic medications (topical or oral) for infectious keratitis
- Lubricating eye drops or ointments to relieve symptoms and promote healing
- Corticosteroid eye drops (in some cases) to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring
- Removal of contact lenses and avoidance of their use until the infection or inflammation resolves
- Patching of the eye or protective eye shield (in severe cases or corneal injury)
- Management of underlying conditions or factors contributing to keratitis
Prevention of Keratitis:
To prevent keratitis or reduce the risk of recurrence, the following measures may be helpful:
- Practicing good hygiene when handling contact lenses, including proper cleaning and storage
- Avoiding sleeping with contact lenses in place (unless specifically prescribed)
- Regularly replacing contact lenses and following recommended wearing schedules
- Protecting the eyes from injury or trauma, such as wearing protective eyewear during certain activities
- Maintaining proper eye care and hygiene, including regular eye examinations
- Avoiding sharing eye makeup or cosmetics with others
- Seeking prompt medical attention for any eye infection or injury
It is important to consult with an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and personalized advice regarding keratitis.
Image Attrinution:
Featured image by Eddie314 at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
