There are various known conditions that can affect one of the most sensitive organs of our body, our eyes.
Keratitis is one such eye condition that is known to affect our eyes.
Although Keratitis may sound like a complicated medical term, in simple language, it is an eye condition that causes inflammation of the cornea.
Since this condition can affect a number of people, it is vital to know about this condition in detail.
So, let us proceed with this article and learn about Keratitis.
In this article, we’ll break down what is Keratitis and its symptoms, causes, types, and treatment.
What is Keratitis
As mentioned in the introduction of this article, Keratitis is a painful eye condition causing inflammation in the cornea.
The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped tissue in front of our eyes covering the pupil and iris.
It is a common eye condition in the United States, where approximately 1 million clinical visits were noted due to Keratitis.
Individuals wearing contact lenses are more likely to experience Keratitis.
However, the good news is Keratitis is a treatable eye condition. Diagnosing the eye condition can help determine the type and the cause of Keratitis.
Visit a trusted and licensed eye wellness clinic nearby you for the management of the Keratitis.
Symptoms of Keratitis
Source: DawnPolandVarious symptoms can indicate the presence of Keratitis.
It is essential to look out for the presence of these symptoms for the effective diagnosis of the Keratits.
Some symptoms might come gradually, while some can be experienced immediately.
Let us take a look at the common symptoms of Keratitis.
- Red eyes
- Changes in vision, such as blurriness or inability to see
- Inability to open your eye
- Eye Pain
- Irritation in the affected eye
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Eye discharge
- Excessive tearing
It is important to know that the Keratitis symptoms may vary in individuals.
Therefore, if you want to learn about the symptoms of Keratitis in detail, read Keratitis Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs of Corneal Inflammation.
Types of Keratitis
Keratitis is categorized into two major types: Infectious and Non-Infectious Keratitis.
Let us quickly find out about these two Keratitis types.
Infectious Keratitis
This type of Keratitis usually occurs when the cornea of an individual is already damaged.
Due to the damaged Keratitis, germs, fungi, and other microorganisms may get into the cornea and cause corneal infections such as corneal ulcers.
The sub-types of infectious Keratitis are as follows:
Bacterial Keratitis: It is the most common type of Keratitis. Bacterial Keratitis is usually caused due to unclean contact lenses.
The two common bacteria that lead to the development of Keratitis are Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Staphylococcus Aureus.
Fungal Keratitis: This type of Keratitis is usually caused by fungi such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Fusarium.
Viral Keratitis: Viral Keratitis is mainly caused by the infection from a virus such as herpes simplex virus. The type of viral Keratitis is Herpes Keratitis.
Parasitic Keratitis: Parasites such as Acanthamoeba are responsible for developing parasitic Keratitis, such as Acanthamoeba Keratitis.
Exposure to contaminated contacts or swimming in lakes or rivers may result in this type of Keratitis.
Non-Infectious Keratitis
Source: Signature_imageIt is also a type of Keratitis that occurs due to factors other than microorganisms.
Common causes of non-infectious Keratitis are:
- Prolonged usage of contact lenses
- Wounds from surgery
- Scratches, scrapes, or punctures
- Dry eyes
- Having a weak or overactive immune system
- Allergies, such as makeup, pollution, or pollen
- Dietary deficiencies of Vitamin A
- Surgical or injury scars
- Eye windburn
- An eye burn caused by sunlight
Visit a registered vision care facility for the effective diagnosis of the type of Keratitis.
Causes of Keratitis
The cause of Keratitis depends upon the type of Keratitis.
In the case of Infectious Keratitis, it is often caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Bacterial Keratitis can result from poor contact lens hygiene or eye injuries, while viral Keratitis, such as herpes Keratitis, is due to the herpes simplex virus.
Fungal Keratitis is typically associated with outdoor trauma or contact with contaminated items.
Acanthamoeba Keratitis is caused by a type of amoeba found in water and soil, often affecting contact lens wearers.
Similarly, in the case of non-infectious Keratitis, factors other than microorganisms can trigger this Keratitis type.
Dry Eye Syndrome, exposure to irritants, or wearing contact lenses for an extended duration can lead to this type.
Neurotrophic Keratitis can result from nerve damage, affecting corneal healing.
In some cases, systemic conditions like autoimmune diseases may contribute to Keratitis.
Therefore, it is essential to contact a verified and trusted ophthalmologist.
Proper diagnosis by an eye specialist is essential to determine the specific cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
However, if you want to read about the causes of Keratitis in detail, read Keratitis Causes: Understanding the Factors Behind Corneal Inflammation.
How to Treat Keratitis
Since, by now, we all know Keratitis is a treatable eye condition, let us learn how you can treat your eye condition.
Keratitis can be managed with the help of an authorized and licensed doctor.
The treatment of Keratitis depends upon factors that lead to Keratitis.
In the case of mild Keratitis, your ophthalmologist might advise you to apply lubricant eye drops and allow the affected area to self-heal.
However, infectious Keratitis is typically treated with medication.
In the case of bacterial infection, antibiotic eye drops are prescribed for the treatment.
Similarly, antifungal and antiviral medications are respectively prescribed if you have a fungal infection or viral infection.
Following complete or near-complete resolution of a bacterial or viral infection, your healthcare provider may recommend steroid eye drops to alleviate inflammation.
Your ophthalmologist may also prescribe eye drops that dilate the eye to alleviate discomfort.
In severe cases of Keratitis, oral medication may be required to treat infections.
You might also require a corneal transplant if medicines are ineffective and Keratitis is causing scarring on your cornea.
Therefore, it is important to visit your eye doctor immediately for the Keratitis treatment.
Can Keratitis be Prevented
Yes, Keratitis can be prevented. There are several measures you can take to avoid the occurrence of Keratitis.
Let’s learn about these preventive measures to avoid Keratitis.
- Wear your contact lenses according to the instructions
- Clean your hands properly before touching your eyes
- Adhere to the instructions on sanitizing and cleaning your contact lenses
- Avoid using the hot jacuzzi, swimming, or showering while wearing contact lenses
- Follow proper hand hygiene practices and refrain from contact with individuals who are ill
- Wear protective glasses while working and playing sports
- Put on sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation
However, these measures might not always be effective in preventing Keratitis.
Therefore, it would be best to seek medical advice for the prevention and treatment of Keratitis.
Key Notes
Keratitis is a significant eye condition that can affect anyone.
Recognizing its symptoms, understanding its causes, and knowing the types and treatment options are crucial for maintaining eye health.
It is essential to get an immediate diagnosis from an eye specialist to determine the actual cause of Keratitis.
Prompt treatment can prevent complications and lead to a quicker recovery. Remember to consider the importance of your eye health.
If you suspect you have Keratitis, it is important to seek professional help.
Additionally, practicing good eye hygiene and taking preventive measures, such as proper contact lens care, can reduce the risk of developing Keratitis.
Your eyes deserve the best care, so prioritize them and consult an eye specialist for any concerns regarding Keratitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Keratitis last?
The duration of Keratitis can vary widely depending on its type, severity, and the effectiveness of treatment.
Some cases may resolve within a few weeks, while others may persist for several months or longer, requiring ongoing management.
What does Keratitis look like?
Keratitis may present with symptoms like eye redness, pain, blurred vision, increased light sensitivity (photophobia), and excessive tearing.
The cornea may appear hazy or develop open sores (ulcers). The exact appearance varies based on the type and severity of Keratitis.
Is Keratitis contagious?
Yes, Keratitis can be contagious. Certain types of Keratitis, such as infectious Keratitis, are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can be contagious and spread between individuals.
Therefore, it is advised to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items like towels or contact lenses to prevent the spread of Keratitis.
Is Keratitis serious?
Yes, Keratitis can be serious if left untreated. It might cause corneal scarring, vision loss, or even blindness.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent these serious outcomes. If you suspect you have Keratitis, seek medical attention promptly.
Can you recover from Keratitis?
Yes, you can recover from Keratitis. Recovery from Keratitis is possible with timely and appropriate treatment.
Therefore, it is important to undergo medical treatment to recover from Keratitis on time.
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