Eyes are a very delicate part of our body. They need proper care and attention. Sometimes, we develop some eye issues due to poor hygiene, infections, or injuries. One such eye condition is keratitis. Let us understand what keratitis is, its causes, symptoms, and how it can be treated.
What is Keratitis?
Keratitis is the medical term for inflammation of the cornea – the clear, dome-shaped, front part of your eye that covers the pupil and the iris. The cornea helps focus light onto the retina, so that we can see clearly. It also acts as a shield to protect the eye against foreign particles and diseases.
When the cornea becomes inflamed or gets infected, you may experience pain, blurred vision, and even long-term damage if not treated in time.
Based on the cause, keratitis can be of two types: infectious (microbial) keratitis and noninfectious keratitis. Keratitis is responsible for most cases of corneal blindness worldwide.
What are the Symptoms of Keratitis?
You may notice the following signs in one or both eyes:
- Redness in the eye
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
- Difficulty opening the eye due to pain
- Decreased vision (vision that cannot be fully corrected with specs or contacts, and can affect daily activities)
What Causes Keratitis?
Keratitis has several causes. Let’s explore the most common ones:
| Type | Cause | Explanation |
| Infectious Keratitis | Bacteria | Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are two most common bacteria that cause keratitis. Mostly affects individuals who do not use contacts properly. |
| Fungi | Candida, Aspergillus, and Fusarium are the common fungi that cause keratitis. Affect contact-lens wearers. People may also get exposed to these microbes outdoors. | |
| Parasites | An organism by the name – Acanthamoeba may affect contact lens wearers.The parasite thrives outdoors and you could get it while swimming in a water body or walking in a forested area.Contact lenses may get it from infected water. | |
| Viruses | Mainly caused by Herpes simplex and Herpes Zoster virus. | |
| Non-infectious Keratitis | Eye injury | Scratch on the cornea from any accidental injury, rubbing eyes too hard, or eyelashes rubbing against the eye surface, etc. |
| Contact lenses | Wearing contacts for too long, wearing them while swimming, sleeping with them, not cleaning them properly. | |
| Foreign object | Having a foreign object – a dust particle, hair, metal, wood, sand, or something else in the eye. | |
| UV rays | Extended exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or looking at welding arcs without protection. | |
| Deficiency | Being deficient in Vitamin A. | |
| Dry eyes | An eyelid condition or immune system issue that leads to dry eyes. | |
Who is at Risk?
You are likely to get keratitis if you:
- Wear contact lenses (especially overnight, while swimming or showering, or without cleaning them properly)
- Have a history of eye infections
- Suffer from dry eye syndrome
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have had eye surgery or injury
- Work in dusty, polluted, or outdoor environments
- Use corticosteroid eye drops
How is Keratitis Diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of keratitis, an eye doctor will talk to you to understand your symptoms and medical history. Then they will examine your eyes with some tests:
- A comprehensive eye exam: Your doctor looks at your eye using bright lights and a slit lamp microscope.
- A culture of your eye discharge: Your ophthalmologist takes a sample (swab) of the discharge from your eye, and sends it to the lab for identification (if they suspect infection).
- Fluorescein stain test: Your eye specialist puts dye in your eye, and examines it with a blue lamp.
This helps the doctor identify the exact cause and start the right treatment.
How is Keratitis Treated?
The treatment of keratitis depends on its cause and severity:
| Condition | Treatment |
| Bacterial keratitis | Antibiotic eye drops |
| Fungal keratitis | Eye drops with antifungal medication |
| Viral keratitis | Antiviral medication – as drops or tablets |
| Parasitic keratitis | Strong antiparasitic eye drops – as parasitic keratitis is harder to treat |
| Dry eyes (mild severity) | Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears, and then allowing the eye to heal on its own |
| To reduce swelling | Steroid eye drops (after bacterial or viral infection almost heals) |
| To control pain | Eye drops to dilate the eye |
| Advanced keratitis | Oral medication (treats infections) |
| Corneal scars | If medication does not prove effective, and your cornea is developing scars, you may require a corneal transplant |
Note: Never self-medicate or use over-the-counter drops without a doctor’s advice – wrong treatment can make things worse.
How to Prevent Keratitis?
Here are some easy tips to keep your eyes safe from keratitis:
- Follow Instructions: Regarding how long to wear, and how to clean and sanitize your contact lenses.
- Hygiene: Your hands must be clean when you touch your eyes or contacts.
- Avoid: Swimming and showering with contact lenses on.
- Stay Away: From people who are sick.
- Use Protective Eyewear: While working and playing sports.
- Wear Sunglasses: To shield your eyes from harmful UV light.
Final Thoughts
Keratitis is a serious eye condition, but with awareness, quick action, and proper care, it can be treated successfully. Don’t ignore eye discomfort or delay visiting an eye specialist.
If you are searching for a cornea specialist in Mohali, you must visit Sohana Eye Hospital. The hospital has highly experienced ophthalmologists who utilise the most advanced eye technologies to give the best treatment to patients.
It is with your eyes that you enjoy the colours of the world. So, they deserve utmost care. If your eyes feel irritated, red, or painful – be alert and pay attention to them! They might be asking for help.
Act early and protect your sight.
