Inflammation of the cornea, often causing pain, redness, and vision problems
What is Keratitis?
Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It can be caused by infections, injuries, or other underlying health conditions. Keratitis can range from mild to severe and, if left untreated, may lead to permanent vision loss or scarring of the cornea.
The condition can affect one or both eyes and may develop suddenly or gradually, depending on the cause.
What causes Keratitis?
Keratitis may be caused by:
Infectious causes:
- Bacterial infections (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus)
- Viral infections (e.g., Herpes simplex virus, Varicella-zoster virus)
- Fungal infections (e.g., Fusarium, Aspergillus)
- Parasitic infections (e.g., Acanthamoeba) – common in contact lens wearers
Non-infectious causes:
- Eye injuries or trauma (e.g., scratches, foreign bodies)
- Prolonged use of contact lenses
- Dry eye syndrome
- Exposure to UV light (e.g., from tanning beds or welding)
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
Who is at risk?
- Contact lens users, especially if worn overnight or not cleaned properly
- People with weakened immune systems
- Individuals with eye trauma or recent eye surgery
- Those exposed to contaminated water (swimming, hot tubs)
- Patients with viral infections, especially Herpes simplex
- People in sunny or high-altitude environments without eye protection
What are the symptoms of Keratitis?
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eye
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Excessive tearing or eye discharge
- A feeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)
- Swelling around the eye or eyelids
- Difficulty opening the eye
In severe cases, you may notice white spots on the cornea or vision loss.
How is Keratitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Eye examination with a slit lamp
- Corneal staining with fluorescein dye to detect damage
- Microbial culture or PCR testing of eye secretions to identify infection
- Visual acuity test to assess any changes in vision
- Medical history including contact lens use or recent eye injuries
How is Keratitis treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
Infectious keratitis:
- Antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, or antiparasitic eye drops
- Oral medications in more severe cases
- Avoidance of contact lenses during treatment
- Regular monitoring to assess healing
Non-infectious keratitis:
- Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops (e.g., corticosteroids – used cautiously)
- Treatment of the underlying condition (e.g., autoimmune therapy)
- Wearing protective eyewear in UV or dusty environments
Severe or untreated cases may require surgical intervention, such as a corneal transplant.
What is the prognosis for Keratitis?
- With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most cases resolve fully
- Infectious keratitis can progress quickly and cause corneal scarring or vision loss
- Recurrent or chronic keratitis requires long-term management
- Delayed treatment increases the risk of serious complications, including blindness
Can Keratitis be prevented?
Yes. Preventive steps include:
- Proper hygiene and care of contact lenses
- Avoid swimming or showering with contact lenses on
- Use of protective eyewear when exposed to UV light or in dusty environments
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands
- Seek medical care for any eye injury, pain, or unusual symptoms
- For those with herpes eye infections, antiviral prophylaxis may help prevent recurrences