Keratitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Keratitis is a condition in which the eye 's cornea is inflamed. Keratitis is a term used to define a wide variety of corneal infections, irritations, and inflammations; since each type of condition is unique, medical diagnosis and treatment is essential. There are several types, including superficial punctate keratitis, in which the cells on the surface of the cornea die; interstitial keratitis, a condition present at birth; herpes simplex viral keratitis , caused by the transmitted herpes virus; and traumatic keratitis , which results when a corneal injury leaves scar tissue. This condition is typically accompanied by severe pain, redness, and scant (if any) discharge. This condition may cause severe pain, reduce visual clarity, produce a corneal discharge, and perhaps erode the cornea. Keratitis has many causes including bacteria, viruses and fungi. The infection occurs almost exclusively in contact lens wearers. It typically occurs after trauma associated with plant matter or in immuno-compromised individuals.

Causes of Keratitis

Common causes and risk factor's of Keratitis include the following :

• Vitamin A deficiencies.
• Trauma (usually following insertion of an object into the eye).
• Fungi.
• Bacteria.
• Parasites.

Symptoms of Keratitis

Some common Symptoms of Keratitis :

• Pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Light sensitivity .
• Impaired vision.
• Discharge.
• Itching and discharge
• Tearing, watery eyes,
• Redness.
• Watery eyes
• Feeling as if something is in the eye.

Treatment of Keratitis

• Corticosteroid eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation in certain conditions. Severe ulcers may need to be treated with corneal transplantation.
• Bacterial corneal ulcers require intense topical eye drop instillation every 1/2 hour for the first 48 hours with two broad-spectrum antibiotics. Treatment for fungal keratitis consists of natamycin. Bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers are treated in hospital.
• Treatment of the cornea with corticosteroid drops may minimize scarring, and help preserve the clarity of the cornea.
• Minor corneal infections are commonly treated with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal eye drops. If the problem is more severe, a person may receive more intensive antibiotic treatment to eliminate the infection and may need to take steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation.
• Treating corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. They should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further injury to the cornea.