Keratitis

Keratitis occurs when the cornea becomes inflamed due to infection, injury, or other underlying conditions. The cornea is essential for focusing light and providing clear vision, so any inflammation or damage can significantly impact vision quality. Keratitis can affect one or both eyes and may vary in severity from mild to severe.

Types of Keratitis

• Infectious Keratitis:

  • Bacterial Keratitis: Often caused by improper contact lens use, eye injuries, or underlying eye diseases. It requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.
  • Viral Keratitis: Commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can lead to recurrent episodes. Varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles, can also affect the eye.
  • Fungal Keratitis: Typically associated with injury from plant material or contact lens use, this type can be challenging to treat and may require antifungal medications.
  • Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A rare but serious infection often linked to contact lens use, especially when proper hygiene is not maintained.

• Non-Infectious Keratitis:

  • Exposure Keratitis: Occurs when the eye is not fully covered by the eyelids, often due to incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos) or nerve damage.
  • Allergic Keratitis: Caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as pollen or contact lens solutions.
  • Photokeratitis: A temporary condition resulting from excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as from the sun or tanning beds.

Symptoms of Keratitis

The symptoms of keratitis can vary depending on the cause and severity. Common symptoms include:

• Eye Pain: Ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain, often exacerbated by blinking.
• Redness: Inflammation of the eye, which can cause noticeable redness.
• Blurred Vision: Difficulty seeing clearly, with vision that may become hazy or blurry.
• Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Increased sensitivity to light, causing discomfort or pain.
• Tearing: Excessive tearing or watery eyes.
• Eye Discharge: In some cases, a discharge may be present, which can vary in color and consistency.
• Foreign Body Sensation: A feeling as though something is in the eye.
• Decreased Vision: In severe cases, vision may be significantly impaired.