Information From Your Health Care Provider

KERATITIS

Basic information

description

Keratitis is an inflammation (redness and swelling) of the cornea. The cornea is the clear membrane on the front of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil. Keratitis can affect children and adults.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may be mild to severe. One eye is usually affected, but it may occur in both eyes.
Eye pain.
Redness and itching of the eye.
Feeling that there is something in the eye.
Photophobia (sensitivity to light).
Tearing or discharge of the eye.
Blurry vision.

causes

There are many causes and types of keratitis. In many cases, an injury to the cornea has allowed an infection to occur. Infections include bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. Prompt treatment is important.

risk increases with

Contact lens use. Wearing soft lenses overnight can increase the risk.
Eye trauma (injury). This may be due to foreign body, chemical, radiation, heat, or other problem.
Eye surgery.
Use of topical steroids in the eyes.
Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
Dry eyes, eyelid disorders, ingrown eyelashes, or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Vitamin A deficiency (rare in normal diet).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Follow instructions provided with contact lenses for cleaning and length of wearing time.
Wear protective glasses or goggles if work or sports activity involves eye hazards.
Get treatment for eye injury or other eye disorders.
For dry eyes, use eyedrops recommended by your health care provider.
Avoid rubbing the eyes when you have cold sores.

expected outcomes

Depends on the type and cause. With early treatment, most types of keratitis are curable. It may take several months.

possible complications

Glaucoma and/or cataract.
Permanent scarring of the cornea.
Some degree of vision loss.
Herpetic (caused by herpes virus) keratitis can recur.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider or eye specialist (ophthalmologist) will ask questions about your symptoms. Diagnosis often begins with a special eye exam (slit lamp) and a test of vision acuity. Blood tests may be done to check for an infection in the body. A corneal scraping sample can be used for lab tests to determine the type of infection.
Eye medications are used to treat the infection and to help prevent complications.
An eye shield (patch) may be prescribed in some cases to protect eye from light and to ease discomfort.
Don't wear contact lenses or eye makeup while the eye is inflamed.
Rarely, surgery may be needed to replace the cornea.

medications

Antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, or antiparasitic eye-drops or ointments are prescribed depending on the infection.
Other types of eye drops may be prescribed.
Use nonprescription oral pain relievers for pain. If pain is severe, stronger drugs may be prescribed.
Don't treat any eye inflammation without medical advice. Don't use nonprescription eyedrops containing topical corticosteroids. These may worsen the condition or cause eyeball perforation.

activity

Limit activities as needed by your symptoms. Extra rest may be helpful at start of treatment.