Keratitis - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Keratitis Definiton

A condition affecting the eyes in about half of all cases of rosacea. Keratitis may be characterized by burning and grittiness of the eyes (conjunctivitis). If this is not treated, inflammation of the cornea may impair vision. Keratitis may occur as a result of bacterial, fungal or viral invasion. Infection of the cornea is a sightthreatening process.

An acute cutaneous eruption in more parts of the body. It can arise due to the systemic effects of a microorganism on the skin. Keratitis is also known as Bacterial keratitis, Fungal keratitis, Acanthamoeba keratitis and Herpes simplex keratitis.

Keratitis Causes

keratitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal infections. keratitis may also be caused by dry eyes resulting from disorders of the eyelid or diminished ability to form tears. Contact lens wear, especially soft contact lenses worn overnight, may be a precipitating factor. Herpes simplex keratitis is a serious viral infection. It may have recurrences that are triggered by stress, exposure to sunlight, or any condition that impairs the immune system.

There are many types and causes of keratitis. Keratitis occurs in both children and adults. Organisms cannot generally invade an intact, healthy cornea.

A major cause of adult eye disease, herpes simplex keratitis may lead to:

• Chronic inflammation of the cornea
• Development of tiny blood vessels in the eye
• Scarring
• Loss of vision
• Glaucoma.

Keratitis Symptoms

The symptoms of the keratitis may be included:

• Pain
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Discharge
• Tearing
• Eye pain
• Impaired vision
• Eye redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes
• Eye burning
• Itching and discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• Inflammation of the eyelid
• Decrease in vision
• White patch on the cornea

Keratitis Treatments

Treating corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. They should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further injury to 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.

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.