What is Keratitis?
Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped layer at the front of the eye. It can be infectious (caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) or non-infectious (due to injury, dry eyes, or contact lens overuse). If left untreated, keratitis can lead to serious complications, including vision loss.
Causes of Keratitis
🔹 Infectious Causes:
- Bacterial Keratitis – Often linked to improper contact lens use.
- Viral Keratitis – Commonly caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) or Varicella-Zoster Virus (Shingles).
- Fungal Keratitis – Can result from plant-related eye injuries or contaminated contact lens solution.
- Parasitic Keratitis (Acanthamoeba Keratitis) – Caused by contaminated water exposure (e.g., swimming or using tap water with contact lenses).
🔹 Non-Infectious Causes:
- Eye Injury or Trauma – Scratches, foreign objects, or burns can trigger inflammation.
- Contact Lens Overuse – Wearing dirty or extended-wear lenses increases the risk.
- Severe Dry Eye Syndrome – Lack of tear production can damage the cornea.
- UV Light Exposure – Welding, tanning beds, or excessive sun exposure without eye protection can cause photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea).
Symptoms of Keratitis
- Redness and eye pain
- Blurry vision or light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Swelling of the eyelids
- A feeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)
- In severe cases, white spots or ulcers may appear on the cornea
Diagnosis of Keratitis
- Slit-Lamp Examination – A microscope is used to examine the cornea.
- Fluorescein Staining – Special dye helps detect corneal damage.
- Corneal Culture or Scraping – Identifies the cause of the infection (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic).
Treatment Options for Keratitis
🚨 Early treatment is essential to prevent vision loss!
1. Bacterial Keratitis
✔ Antibiotic eye drops (e.g., Moxifloxacin, Ciprofloxacin)
✔ Severe cases may require antibiotic injections or oral medications
2. Viral Keratitis
✔ Antiviral eye drops or oral medications (e.g., Acyclovir, Ganciclovir)
✔ Steroid eye drops (if prescribed by a doctor) to reduce inflammation
3. Fungal Keratitis
✔ Antifungal eye drops or oral antifungal medications (e.g., Natamycin, Amphotericin B)
✔ Severe cases may require a corneal transplant
4. Acanthamoeba Keratitis (Parasitic)
✔ Special anti-parasitic eye drops (difficult to treat and may require long-term therapy)
5. Non-Infectious Keratitis
✔ Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears
✔ Avoiding irritants like smoke, dust, or UV exposure
✔ Treating underlying conditions like dry eyes or allergies
Prevention Tips for Keratitis
✔ Proper Contact Lens Hygiene – Always clean and replace lenses as recommended.
✔ Avoid Sleeping with Contact Lenses – Reduces the risk of infection.
✔ Protect Your Eyes – Use sunglasses or protective eyewear during outdoor activities.
✔ Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes – Can introduce bacteria or worsen inflammation.
✔ Use Prescribed Eye Drops Correctly – Follow the doctor's instructions for medication use.
✔ Avoid Swimming with Contact Lenses – Reduces the risk of Acanthamoeba infection.
When to See a Doctor?
🚨 Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe eye pain and vision loss
- Increasing redness and swelling
- Thick discharge from the eye
- Light sensitivity and white spots on the cornea
