Keratitis

Overview

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped tissue on the front of the eye. It may or may not be associated with an infection. Keratitis can be caused by a minor injury, such as wearing contact lenses too long or getting a foreign body in the eye. Infectious keratitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Symptoms include eye redness, eye pain, excess tears or discharge from the eye, and difficulty opening the eyelid due to pain or irritation. Prompt attention from an eye specialist is necessary to effectively treat mild to moderate cases without loss of vision. If left untreated or if the infection is severe, keratitis can lead to serious complications that may permanently damage vision.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

Symptoms of keratitis include eye redness, eye pain, excess tears or discharge from the eye, difficulty opening the eyelid due to pain or irritation, blurred vision, decreased vision, sensitivity to light, and a feeling that something is in the eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye specialist promptly, as delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious complications, including blindness.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing keratitis include wearing contact lenses, especially sleeping in the lenses; wearing contact lenses longer than recommended or using improper disinfection; reduced immunity; use of corticosteroid eye drops; and a history of eye injury.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if you suspect keratitis, which is an inflammation of the cornea, as soon as possible. Symptoms of keratitis include eye redness, eye pain, excess tears or discharge, difficulty opening your eyelid due to pain or irritation, blurred vision, decreased vision, sensitivity to light, and a feeling that something is in your eye. Prompt attention is crucial because untreated keratitis can lead to serious complications, including blindness. Therefore, if you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see an eye specialist right away.

Diagnosis

To diagnose keratitis, the following methods are typically used:

1. Eye exam: A comprehensive eye exam is conducted by an eye care provider to check for any abnormalities in the eye.
2. Penlight exam: The eye doctor may use a penlight to examine the pupil, checking its reaction, size, and other factors. A stain may be applied to the surface of the eye to help detect any damage.
3. Slit-lamp exam: A special instrument called a slit lamp is used to examine the eye, providing a bright source of light and magnification to detect the character and extent of keratitis. This test helps evaluate the effect of keratitis on other structures of the eye. It is important to consult an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of keratitis include chronic corneal inflammation and scarring, chronic or recurrent viral infections of your cornea, open sores on your cornea called corneal ulcers, temporary or permanent reduction in your vision, and blindness. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if you experience symptoms of keratitis to prevent these complications.

Prevention

keratitis can be prevented through proper care and precautions. Some ways to prevent keratitis include:

1. Proper use, cleaning, and disinfecting of contact lenses: Follow your eye care provider's recommendations for taking care of your lenses, use sterile products made specifically for contact lens care, and replace your contact lenses as recommended.
2. Avoiding extended wear and overuse: Stick to the recommended wearing schedule for your contact lenses and avoid sleeping in your contact lenses.
3. Wearing protective eyewear: Wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities that may pose a risk to your eyes, such as sports or construction work.
4. Maintaining good hygiene: Wash and disinfect your contact lens case regularly, and replace it every 3 to 6 months.
5. Avoiding swimming or using water while wearing contact lenses: Don't wear contact lenses while swimming or exposing your eyes to water, as it increases the risk of infection.
6. Good hand hygiene: Frequently wash your hands, especially before touching your eyes or handling your contact lenses.
7. Using prescribed eye drops: Only use eye drops that have been prescribed by an eye doctor. By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing keratitis.

Home Remedies

It is important to consult with an eye specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment of keratitis, as home remedies may not be effective or could potentially worsen the condition. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious complications, including blindness.

Treatment

Treatment for keratitis depends on the underlying cause:

1. Noninfectious keratitis: Treatment varies depending on the severity. Mild discomfort from a corneal scratch might require only artificial tear drops. However, if keratitis is causing significant tearing and pain, topical eye medications may be necessary.
2. Infectious keratitis: Treatment of infectious keratitis depends on the cause of the infection. For bacterial keratitis, the primary treatment is antibiotic eye drops, with drop frequency ranging from around four times a day to every 30 minutes, even during the night. Sometimes oral antibiotics are used as a supplement. It is crucial to follow your eye care provider's recommendations for treatment and to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for keratitis, you should:

1. Make a list of your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment.
2. List any medications, eye drops, vitamins, and supplements you're currently taking, including the doses.
3. Write down questions to ask during the appointment, such as:

• What is likely causing my symptoms?
• What are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• What is the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the approach you're suggesting?
• How can I best manage my condition with other health conditions I have?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
• What will determine whether I need to be seen for a follow-up visit? By being prepared with this information, you can make the most of your appointment and have a productive discussion with your healthcare provider.