Summary about Disease
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. It can range from mild redness and irritation to severe pain and vision impairment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as corneal ulcers, scarring, and vision loss. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, injuries, and certain underlying medical conditions.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of keratitis include:
Eye pain or soreness
Redness of the eye
Excessive tearing or discharge
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Feeling like something is in your eye (foreign body sensation)
Difficulty opening the eyelid
Causes
Keratitis can be caused by several factors:
Infections: Bacterial, viral (e.g., herpes simplex, varicella-zoster), fungal, or parasitic (e.g., Acanthamoeba) infections.
Injury: Scratches, abrasions, or burns to the cornea.
Contact lens wear: Improper cleaning, extended wear, or ill-fitting lenses.
Dry eyes: Insufficient tear production.
Exposure: To intense UV light (e.g., sunlamps), or foreign bodies.
Underlying medical conditions: Such as autoimmune diseases.
Medicine Used
The medications used to treat keratitis depend on the underlying cause:
Antibiotics: For bacterial infections (e.g., topical eye drops or ointments).
Antivirals: For viral infections (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir).
Antifungals: For fungal infections (e.g., natamycin, amphotericin B).
Anti-parasitic medications: For Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Artificial tears: To lubricate the eye and alleviate dryness.
Steroid eye drops: To reduce inflammation (used cautiously and under close medical supervision).
Pain relievers: Oral pain relievers may be prescribed to manage pain.
Is Communicable
Keratitis caused by infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic) can be contagious, depending on the specific pathogen. For example, viral keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus is communicable through direct contact. Non-infectious keratitis (e.g., caused by injury or dry eyes) is not contagious.
Precautions
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before touching your eyes or contact lenses.
Proper contact lens care: Clean, disinfect, and store contact lenses as directed by your eye care professional. Avoid wearing lenses for longer than recommended.
Avoid sharing personal items: Such as eye makeup, towels, or washcloths.
Wear protective eyewear: When working with chemicals, power tools, or in environments with airborne particles.
Manage underlying medical conditions: Such as dry eye or autoimmune diseases.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes: As this can introduce bacteria and other irritants.
Promptly seek medical attention: If you experience any symptoms of keratitis.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a keratitis outbreak varies depending on the cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Mild cases may resolve within a few days with proper care. More severe infections or cases involving complications may take weeks or even months to heal.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Comprehensive eye exam: Including visual acuity testing, slit-lamp examination (to examine the cornea under magnification).
Medical history: Discussion of symptoms, contact lens use, and any underlying medical conditions.
Corneal staining: Using a special dye (fluorescein) to highlight any corneal damage.
Culture or smear: To identify the causative organism (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic). This involves collecting a sample from the cornea for laboratory analysis.
Confocal Microscopy: To visualize and diagnose Acanthamoeba.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary significantly. In some cases, symptoms may develop rapidly over a few hours (e.g., after an injury or exposure to a foreign body). In other cases, the onset may be more gradual, developing over several days or weeks (e.g., with slow-growing infections or chronic dry eye). The progression of symptoms depends on the underlying cause and the individual's immune response.
Important Considerations
Keratitis can lead to serious complications, including corneal ulcers, scarring, vision loss, and even the need for a corneal transplant if left untreated.
It is crucial to seek prompt medical attention from an ophthalmologist or optometrist if you suspect you have keratitis.
Do not self-treat keratitis, as incorrect treatment can worsen the condition and lead to complications.
Strictly follow your eye care professional's instructions regarding medication use and follow-up appointments.
Contact lens wearers are at higher risk of developing keratitis, especially if they do not follow proper hygiene and lens care practices.
Individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions may be more susceptible to keratitis.