Disease
Keratitis
Overview of Keratitis
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It can be caused by infections (bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic), injury or other medical conditions. This condition can range from mild irritation to serious vision-threatening complications if not treated promptly. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term damage.
Types of Keratitis
- Bacterial Keratitis: Often caused by contact lens misuse or eye trauma.
- Viral Keratitis: Commonly linked to herpes simplex or varicella-zoster viruses.
- Fungal Keratitis: Typically occurs due to plant material injury or long-term steroid use.
- Parasitic (Acanthamoeba) Keratitis: Rare but serious, often linked to contaminated water and contact lenses.
- Superficial Punctate Keratitis (SPK): Characterised by small pinpoint lesions on the corneal surface.
- Neurotrophic Keratitis: Results from nerve damage, leading to poor corneal healing.
- Filamentary Keratitis: Mucus strands adhere to the cornea, causing discomfort.
- Interstitial Keratitis: Inflammation within the corneal stroma, usually immune-mediated.
- Herpetic Keratitis: Involves herpes simplex virus infection of the cornea.
- Pigmentary Keratitis: Common in dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds, due to chronic irritation.
Symptoms of Keratitis
- Redness and pain in the eye
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Feeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)
- Swelling or haziness of the cornea
Causes of Keratitis
- Eye trauma or injury
- Contaminated contact lenses
- Bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- Dry eye or poor eyelid closure
- UV light exposure (e.g., snow blindness)
- Use of corticosteroid eye drops without supervision
Complications in Keratitis
- Permanent vision loss or blindness
- Corneal scarring or ulceration
- Perforation of the cornea
- Chronic eye pain or discomfort
- Secondary infections
- Glaucoma (in rare cases)
Risk Factors of Keratitis
- Wearing contact lenses, especially overnight
- Eye injuries or foreign objects
- Weak immune system
- Exposure to contaminated water sources
- Existing eye conditions like dry eye syndrome
- Use of topical steroids without prescription
Preventions of Keratitis
- Follow proper contact lens hygiene
- Avoid swimming with contact lenses on
- Use protective eyewear in risky environments
- Avoid rubbing eyes with unwashed hands
- Prompt treatment of eye injuries or infections
- Regular eye check-ups if you use lenses or have dry eyes
Diagnosis of Keratitis
- Slit-lamp examination by an ophthalmologist
- Corneal staining tests to identify ulcers
- Culture or scraping of the cornea for lab analysis
- Visual acuity and eye pressure tests
- In some cases, PCR or other tests to detect viruses or parasites
Treatments of Keratitis
- Antibiotic/antiviral/antifungal eye drops depending on the infection type
- Steroid drops for inflammation (only under doctor supervision)
- Artificial tears for dry eye and comfort
- Pain relievers and protective eye patches
- Surgical intervention, like corneal transplantation, in severe cases
- Stopping lens use temporarily during recovery
Prognosis of Keratitis
- With early detection and proper treatment, most patients recover well
- Severe or untreated cases can result in permanent corneal damage
- Prognosis varies based on the type and cause of keratitis
- Chronic forms may require ongoing care to preserve vision
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Expert ophthalmology consultations and diagnostics
- Tailored treatment plans for bacterial, viral, and fungal keratitis
- 24/7 support for urgent eye issues and emergencies
- Coordination for corneal transplants if required
- Careful follow-up for patients with chronic or recurrent keratitis
- Multilingual assistance and global patient support
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- What type of keratitis do I have?
- Is it contagious to others?
- Will my vision return to normal?
- How long should I use the prescribed drops
- Can I wear contact lenses again?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- A clear explanation of your diagnosis and the type of keratitis
- Guidance on how to apply eye drops correctly
- Information on when to seek urgent care
- Reassurance on treatment outcomes
- Follow-up plan and regular monitoring
- Instructions on how to care for your eyes during recovery