Keratitis is a common eye infection leading to the inflammation of the cornea and causing discomfort and vision issues.
There are various types of Keratitis that can affect your eyes.
Bacterial Keratitis is also a type of Keratitis. Although Bacterial Keratitis may sound like a complex medical term, it’s essentially an eye infection caused by bacteria.
However, this eye condition can affect your eyes if it is not treated on time.
There are several symptoms and causes associated with Bacterial Keratitis. It is vital to know about them for their effective treatment.
Let us proceed with this article to learn about Bacterial Keratitis in detail, including its causes and symptoms.
What is Bacterial Keratitis
Bacterial Keratitis is an infection affecting the cornea of an individual that may lead to several vision problems, including blindness.
It is the most common type of Keratitis caused by bacteria.
Due to its rapid progression, Bacterial Keratitis may destroy the cornea within 24-48 hours in the absence of treatment.
The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye that helps focus incoming light onto the retina for vision.
In the United States, Bacterial Keratitis is commonly experienced by individuals who wear contact lenses.
An individual with Bacterial Keratitis might experience redness, blurred vision, and eye discharge.
Bacterial Keratitis occurs when a person comes into contact with harmful bacteria.
Let us proceed and find out the common bacteria that can cause Bacterial Keratitis.
Get effective eyedrops for Bacterial Keratitis now only from Cheap Medicine Shop.
- Zaha Eye Drop 3 ml (Azithromycin)
- Milflox 5 ml (Moxifloxacin)
Bacteria That Causes Bacterial Keratitis
There are several Bacteria that might cause Bacterial Ketatitis.
However, the most common bacteria that cause Bacterial Keratitis are Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Staphylococcus Aureus.
Besides these two bacteria, the other common bacteria responsible for Bacterial Keratitis are –
- Corynebacterium Diphtheriae
- Acinetobacter species
- Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
- Hemophilus Aegyptius
- Listeria Monocytogenes
Coming in contact with these bacteria can lead to the development of Bacterial Keratitis.
If you want to learn more about the bacteria that causes Bacterial Keratitis, visit an eyecare facility.
Symptoms of Bacterial Keratitis
There are various symptoms of Bacterial Keratitis you need to look out for an effective diagnosis of the eye condition.
Let us take a quick look at the common symptoms of Bacterial Keratitis.
If you experience any of the following mentioned symptoms of Keratitis, call your ophthalmologist immediately.
What Causes Bacterial Keratitis
As mentioned earlier, Bacterial Keratitis is caused when an individual comes in contact with harmful bacteria.
Individuals can come into contact with the bacteria due to several factors. Let us take a look at these factors.
- Contact lenses: Inadequate cleaning, prolonged use, or using contaminated solutions for cleaning contact lenses can introduce harmful bacteria to the eye
- Eye injuries: Injuries such as corneal injuries are also one of the common risk factors for developing Bacterial Keratitis. Infection can occur even from minor scratches or injuries to the cornea
- Weak immune system: If your body’s immune system is compromised, it may struggle to fend off infections, making you more susceptible to Bacterial Keratitis
- Exposure to unclean water: Swimming, showering with contact lenses, or exposing the eyes to unclean water sources can lead to infection
Of the following causes of Bacterial Keratitis, the most common causes are contact lenses and eye injuries.
Diagnosing the causes of Bacterial Keratitis for its on-time treatment is important.
Visit a nearby trusted eye care center to diagnose these causes effectively.
Bacterial Keratitis Treatment
There are various effective treatments for Bacterial Keratitis.
To prevent complications from Bacterial Keratitis, it is crucial to treat it early and effectively.
The treatment typically involves the use of antibiotic eye drops such as Azithromycin and Tobramycin to provide relief from the Bacterial Keratitis treatment.
Doctors might also prescribe oral antibiotics like Amoxicillin to individuals diagnosed with deep ulcers or scleral involvement.
Besides medications, doctors might also recommend undergoing surgery for severe cases.
Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or corneal transplants.
Apart from the prescribed treatment, there are several preventive measures, such as warm compresses and avoiding contact lenses for Bacterial Keratitis.
In order to treat Bacterial Keratitis effectively, you should consult a licensed and trustworthy eye doctor.
Key Notes
Bacterial Keratitis is an eye infection that affects the cornea and leads to certain vision problems.
It is caused by coming in contact with the bacteria, such as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Staphylococcus Aureus.
An individual affected by Bacterial Keratitis may experience eye pain, redness in the eyes, blurred vision, and excessive tearing.
There are several effective treatments available for Bacterial Keratitis.
Antibiotics such as Azithromycin are effective in managing the symptoms of Bacterial Keratitis.
It is essential to contact an eye care expert for the timely treatment of Bacterial Keratitis, as a delay in treatment might lead to total vision loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Bacterial Keratitis last?
The duration of Bacterial Keratitis varies in individuals and depends on several factors, such as severity and type of bacteria.
The mild cases may last a few days to weeks, whereas the severe cases may last for a few weeks. It is advised to visit a doctor for timely relief.
How do you treat Bacterial Keratitis?
Bacterial Keratitis is usually treated with the help of antibiotics in the form of eye drops.
Doctors prescribe effective treatment options, including eyedrops and oral antibiotics for Bacterial Keratitis, based on the severity and the type of bacteria causing the eye condition. Therefore, it is vital to consult a legal eye doctor.
What are the two most common bacteria for Bacterial Keratitis?
The two most common bacteria causing Bacterial Keratitis are Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.
However, bacteria such as Neisseria Gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus Aegyptius might also cause Bacterial Keratitis. Seek medical help for information on the bacteria causing Bacterial Keratitis.
Are there any differences between Bacterial Keratitis and Fungal Keratitis?
Yes, there are several differences between Bacterial Keratitis and Fungal Keratitis. While comparing Fungal Keratitis vs Bacterial Keratitis, we found that both differ in causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Bacterial Keratitis is caused due to unhygienic contact lenses and eye injuries. Whereas Fungal Keratitis results from fungi due to outdoor injuries.
Is Bacterial Keratitis contagious?
Yes, Bacterial Keratitis is contagious, but it is not typically contagious from person to person. It’s usually caused by coming into contact with bacteria from contaminated sources like contact lenses.
Good hygiene practices and avoiding sharing eye-related items can help prevent its spread.
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.