Keratitis

Keratitis is an eye condition characterized by an inflammation of the cornea, the domed, transparent circular part of the eye that lies over the pupil. This condition may result in impaired vision and moderate to severe pain.

Causes of Keratitis

One of the causes of keratitis is an infection of a current or previous herpes simplex virus, secondary to an upper respiratory infection (URI). Causes of keratitis are usually fungal, bacterial, or viral in nature, but may also be a result of:

Exposure to UV lights, such as the kind of light put off by sunlamps or the sun
Exposure to other intense light sources such as snow or water
Irritation from excessive use of contact lenses
Dry eyes caused by insufficient tear formation
Vitamin A deficiency
Allergic reaction to something such as eye drops or makeup
Pollutants
A side effect of certain medications

Symptoms of Keratitis

Keratitis symptoms will vary depending on the type and severity, but with this condition, you can expect:

Painful eyes
Watery eyes
Bloodshot eyes
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision
Hazy vision
Small white spot on the cornea (in cases of herpes simplex)

Treatment of Keratitis

treatment of keratitis, like uveitis and conjunctivitis, depends on the source of the problem. If the condition is viral, it will clear up on its own, possibly with the help of antiviral eye drops and/or ointment. If the keratitis is brought on by a bacterial infection, it will be treated with antibiotic drops. If the condition is caused by dry eyes, then a special eye drop that produces simulated tears will be prescribed. If some medication is causing your keratitis, the medication must be stopped, and the infection will subside over time.

In some cases of keratitis, your eye doctor will scrape the cornea to remove damaged and/or dead cells. Prescription pain medication and an eye patch (to prevent light from damaging the eye further) may be indicated while you recover.

If you feel you may be suffering from keratitis, please contact an experienced eye professional in your area today to schedule a thorough examination.