Our eyes are one of the most precious organs.
It is essential to take utmost care of our eyes to avoid any eye condition or infection.
Keratitis and Conjunctivitis are two eye conditions that might affect our eyes.
Although these two eye conditions might sound similar, they are poles apart.
Let us find out how they are different from each other.
In this comparison guide on Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis, we will compare these two conditions based on their symptoms, causes, and treatments.
So, let us proceed and learn about these eye conditions.
Key Differences: Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis
Keratitis is an eye condition causing inflammation in the cornea, the top layer of the eye.
Pink eye or Conjunctivitis is an eye condition that causes inflammation in the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelids.
Unlike Keratitis, Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition. Approximately six million individuals residing in the USA are affected by pink eye annually.
Pink eye does not lead to blindness, whereas Keratitis is the leading cause of corneal blindness in the United States.
There are two types of Keratitis: Non-infectious Keratitis and Infectious Keratitis, whereas the three types of Conjunctivitis are bacterial, viral, and allergic.
Both these eye conditions are treatable. Therefore, it is advised to take effective treatment on time.
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Differences Between the Symptoms of Keratitis and Conjunctivitis
There are several differences between the symptoms of Keratitis and Conjunctivitis.
It is important to look for common signs and symptoms to diagnose and treat these eye conditions effectively.
Let us look at the differences in their symptoms.
| Common Symptoms of Keratitis | Common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis |
|---|---|
| Red eye Foreign body sensation in the eye Eye pain Sensitivity to light Watery eyes Blurred vision Decrease in vision | Gritty sensation in your eye Red eyes Burning and itchy eyes Painful eyes Watery eyes Puffy eyelids Blurry or hazy vision Sensitive to light Lots of mucus, pus, or thick yellow discharge from the eye |
Get immediate medical attention if you experience the symptoms of Keratitis or Conjunctivitis.
However, it is vital to note that an individual might also experience several other symptoms besides the mentioned.
Therefore, it is advised to contact a licensed opthalmologist for more information regarding the symptoms of Keratitis and pink eye.
Differences in the Cause of Keratitis and Conjunctivitis
Source: Siganture_imageBoth Keratitis and Conjunctivitis also differ in causes.
The cause of Keratitis and Conjunctivitis is different depending on their types.
In the case of Conjunctivitis, bacteria such as Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pneumoniae are responsible for bacterial pink eye.
To learn more about the bacteria that causes Conjunctivitis, read “Finding the Answer: What Bacteria Causes Pink Eye?“.
Similarly, viruses such as Coronavirus and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can cause viral pink eye, and allergens such as dust and pet dander can cause allergic pink eye.
To learn more about the cause of pink eye, read The Science Behind Pink Eye Causes: Viruses, Allergies, and More.
In the case of Keratitis, viruses, bacteria from contact lenses, parasites, and fungi might cause Infectious Keratitis.
Infectious Keratitis is usually caused when the cornea is already damaged.
Non-infectious Keratitis can be caused by factors such as dry eyes, surgical wounds, using contact lenses for a long time, and Vitamin A deficiency.
Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis: Treatments
Source: 89StockerBoth these eye conditions also differ in treatment.
The treatment of Keratitis depends on its type.
In the case of mild Infectious Keratitis, doctors may prescribe antiviral, antibiotic, or antifungal eye drops, depending upon their cause.
For severe cases of Infectious Keratitis, eye specialists may recommend taking oral medications.
Similarly, in the case of mild, Non-infectious Keratitis, doctors might prescribe artificial tears to manage the symptoms.
They may advise using anti-inflammatory eye medications and avoiding contact lenses to manage severe cases.
Coming towards the pink eye, the treatment of pink eye depends upon its cause.
If pink eye is caused due to bacteria, doctors might prescribe antibiotic eye drops such as Azithromycin for the treatment.
Similarly, doctors may prescribe antiallergic eye drops to treat allergic pink eye.
However, the viral pink eye gets resolved on its own and generally doesn’t need any medical interventions.
But doctors might recommend using teardrops to ease the viral pink symptoms.
Therefore, seeking an authorized and trusted ophthalmologist to treat Keratitis and Conjunctivitis is essential.
Conjunctivitis vs Keratitis: Comparative Analysis
Now that we have covered all the differences between Conjunctivitis and Keratitis, let’s summarize all the differences between them in the table below for easy understanding.
| Comparing factors | Keratitis | Conjunctivitis |
|---|---|---|
| Affecting area | Keratitis affects cornea | Conjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva |
| Prevalence | It is a somewhat rare eye condition | Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition |
| Symptoms | Decreased vision, red eye, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision | Gritty sensation in the eye, burning and itchy eyes, puffy eyelids, and lots of mucus or pus in the eyes |
| Causes | Several bacteria, fungi, viruses, Vitamin A deficiency, and using contact lenses. | Several viruses, bacteria, and allergens |
| Treatment | The treatment depends on its type: For Infectious Keratitis, doctors may prescribe antifungal, antiviral, and antiallergic eye drops For Non-infectious Keratitis, doctors may prescribe artificial tears | The treatment depends on its cause: For bacterial pink eye, antibiotics are effective For allergic pink eye, antiallergic eye drops are effective Viral pink usually gets treated on its own, but teardrops might help ease the symptoms |
Key Notes
Keratitis and Conjunctivitis are two different eye conditions.
After comparing Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis, we can see how they both vary in symptoms, causes, and treatments.
The common symptoms of Keratitis include red eyes, watery eyes, and eye pain, whereas those of Conjunctivitis include puffy eyes and itchy eyes.
They both might cause eye pain and watery eyes. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor to determine which eye condition affects you.
Doctors can help diagnose the cause of these eye conditions to treat them effectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Conjunctivitis cause Keratitis?
Yes, Conjunctivitis might cause Keratitis. If Conjunctivitis is left untreated, the ongoing inflammation and irritation associated with Conjunctivitis might affect the cornea, increasing the risk of Keratitis.
Therefore, treating your Conjunctivitis in time is advised to avoid any complications.
What are some common causes of Conjunctivitis and Keratitis?
Conjunctivitis is commonly caused due to viral or bacterial infections, allergies, irritants, and contact with infected individuals.
Whereas in the case of Keratitis, it is often caused by infections, injuries, underlying medical conditions, and dry eye syndrome.
Is Keratitis worse than Conjunctivitis?
Yes, Keratitis is more severe than Conjunctivitis. Keratitis might lead to corneal scarring and total blindness if left untreated. In comparison, the pink eye does not cause any severe complications.
Can a 12-year-old child experience Keratitis?
Yes, a 12-year-old kid can experience Keratitis. Although Keratitis is more common in adults, young kids can also experience it.
Irrespective of age, it is essential to take immediate eye care from an ophthalmologist if you are experiencing Keratitis.
Is it safe to wear contact lenses with Keratitis or Conjunctivitis?
No, generally, it is not safe to wear contact lenses if you are diagnosed with Keratitis and Conjunctivitis. Wearing contact lenses might worsen the eye condition.
It is essential to contact a doctor before wearing contact lenses if you have Keratitis or Conjunctivitis.
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