What Is Keratitis and How Does It Affect Your Eyes?

Keratitis occurs when the cornea—the transparent front layer of your eye—becomes inflamed. This condition can be caused by infection, injury, or underlying health issues. The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light that enters your eye, making it essential for clear vision.

When keratitis develops, patients typically experience symptoms including eye pain, redness, excessive tearing, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and the sensation of something in the eye. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may develop quickly or gradually depending on the cause. If left untreated, keratitis can lead to corneal scarring and potentially permanent vision impairment, making prompt medical attention vital.

Common Causes of Keratitis

Keratitis can develop from various sources, with infections being among the most common causes. Bacterial keratitis often results from improper contact lens care or contaminated lens solutions. Viral keratitis is frequently caused by herpes simplex virus, the same virus responsible for cold sores, while fungal keratitis typically occurs after corneal injury involving plant material.

Non-infectious causes include physical or chemical injuries to the cornea. Scratches, foreign bodies, or exposure to harmful chemicals can damage the corneal surface and trigger inflammation. Additionally, underlying conditions that affect tear production or quality, such as dry eye syndrome, can increase susceptibility to keratitis by compromising the eye's natural defenses. Certain autoimmune disorders may also contribute to non-infectious keratitis development by triggering inflammatory responses in the corneal tissue.

Diagnosing Keratitis: What to Expect

When keratitis is suspected, an eye care professional will conduct a comprehensive examination. This typically begins with a detailed medical history and discussion of symptoms. The ophthalmologist will then examine your eye using a slit lamp—a specialized microscope that provides a magnified view of the cornea and other eye structures.

To confirm diagnosis and identify the specific cause, your doctor may collect samples from your cornea for laboratory analysis. This procedure, called corneal scraping, helps determine whether bacteria, viruses, or fungi are present. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary, including corneal cultures, PCR testing for viral DNA, or confocal microscopy to visualize corneal tissue at a cellular level. Accurate diagnosis is crucial as treatment approaches vary significantly depending on the underlying cause of keratitis.

Treatment Options for Different Types of Keratitis

Treatment for keratitis varies based on the cause and severity of the condition. Bacterial keratitis typically requires antibiotic eye drops or ointments, which may need to be applied frequently in severe cases. Alcon produces several antibiotic eye medications commonly prescribed for bacterial eye infections.

Viral keratitis often requires antiviral medications, such as those manufactured by Bausch + Lomb. For herpes simplex keratitis, oral antiviral medications may be prescribed alongside topical treatments. Fungal keratitis necessitates antifungal medications, which may be administered as eye drops, ointments, or oral medications depending on severity.

For non-infectious keratitis, anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroid eye drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, though these must be used cautiously as they can worsen certain infections. Johnson & Johnson Vision offers several eye care products that may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In severe cases where significant corneal damage has occurred, procedures such as corneal transplantation might be necessary to restore vision.

Prevention Strategies and Long-term Management

Preventing keratitis involves several key practices, particularly for contact lens wearers. Always wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses, follow the recommended replacement schedule, and never sleep in contacts unless specifically designed and prescribed for overnight wear. CooperVision provides educational resources for proper contact lens care.

Protective eyewear should be worn during activities that risk eye injury, such as certain sports or working with chemicals or machinery. EssilorLuxottica offers various protective eyewear options designed for different activities and environments.

For those with recurrent keratitis, especially viral forms, long-term management may include maintenance doses of antiviral medications. Individuals with dry eye syndrome or other predisposing conditions should work closely with their eye care provider to manage these underlying issues effectively. Regular eye examinations are essential for everyone, but particularly important for those with a history of keratitis or risk factors for developing the condition.

Conclusion

Keratitis requires prompt medical attention to prevent potential complications and vision loss. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most cases can be successfully managed, though severe infections may lead to lasting corneal damage. If you experience symptoms such as eye pain, redness, vision changes, or light sensitivity, consult an eye care professional immediately. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms early, and following prevention strategies, you can protect your corneal health and preserve your vision for years to come. Regular check-ups with eye care providers from companies like Visionworks or America's Best can help maintain overall eye health and catch potential problems before they become serious.

Citations

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.