Keratitis refers to the inflammation occurring on the front surface of the cornea of the eye. Eye keratitis can be caused by various factors such as infections, traumas, or other eye diseases, and symptoms may include redness, pain, and sensitivity to light. The treatment of keratitis primarily depends on the underlying causes, and hygienic measures need to be taken to prevent it.
What is Keratitis?
Keratitis is the inflammation of the transparent corneal layer located on the outer part of the eye. The cornea, a transparent tissue that protects the eye from external factors and helps focus light onto the retina, is a crucial part of the eye. Inflammation in this tissue reduces visual acuity and causes complaints such as eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
Keratitis can develop due to infections, traumas, improper lens use, or factors like weakened immune system.
What are the Symptoms of Keratitis?
Symptoms of keratitis may vary from person to person, but the most common complaints include:
-
Redness in the eye
-
Severe pain and a stinging sensation
-
Blurred vision
-
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
-
Tearing and discharge from the eye
-
Swelling of the eyelid
If one or more of the symptoms appear, a specialist in eye health should be consulted without delay.
What are the Types of Keratitis?
Keratitis can be primarily divided into two categories, infectious and non-infectious. The causes of infectious keratitis include:
-
Bacterial Keratitis: Contact lens use is a common type of keratitis following lens use.
-
Viral Keratitis: May be caused by the herpes simplex virus.
-
Herpetic Keratitis: It has a high tendency to recur and can cause permanent eye damage if not treated.
-
Fungal Keratitis: More likely to be seen in individuals working in agriculture.
-
Parasitic (Acanthamoeba) Keratitis: A rare but serious type of infection that can be caused by lenses washed in unclean water.
What Causes Keratitis?
Keratitis occurs as a result of infections caused by microbes. These infections can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Additionally, factors like dry eyes, foreign objects damaging the cornea, contact lens use, and sunburn can also lead to keratitis.
-
Infections: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can cause inflammation in the cornea.
-
Contact Lens Use: Non-compliance with hygiene rules or prolonged use of lenses is a risk factor.
-
Eye Traumas: Foreign objects entering the eye or corneal scratches can cause keratitis.
-
Immune System Weakness: A decrease in the body's defense mechanism increases susceptibility to infections.
-
Dry Eye: Insufficient moisture on the corneal surface increases the risk of infection.
How is Keratitis Treated?
The treatment of keratitis varies depending on whether the keratitis is infectious or non-infectious.
-
Non-infectious keratitis: Keratitis caused by corneal scratches is generally treated with drops, while topical eye medications are preferred in cases of significant tearing.
-
Bacterial keratitis: Eye drops containing antibiotics and, if necessary, oral antibiotics are prescribed.
-
Fungal keratitis: Antifungal eye drops and oral antifungal medications are used.
-
Viral keratitis: Antiviral eye drops and oral antiviral medications may be effective.
-
Herpetic keratitis: Treated with topical and systemic antiviral medications. Due to its high tendency to recur, long-term monitoring is required.
-
Acanthamoeba keratitis: Treated with antiparasitic eye drops. Some infections may be resistant to medications and may require long-term treatment. Severe cases may require corneal transplant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keratitis Contagious?
The contagion of keratitis depends on its cause. Bacterial, viral, and fungal types of keratitis can be contagious, whereas keratitis developed due to trauma is not.
What is Herpetic Keratitis?
Herpetic keratitis is a corneal infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It has a high risk of recurrence and can leave permanent scars on the cornea with each attack. If not treated early, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Can Contact Lenses be Used During Keratitis Treatment?
During the treatment process, the use of contact lenses should be paused because non-compliance with hygiene rules for lenses is one of the most important factors that can increase the risk of developing keratitis.
How Long Does Keratitis Treatment Last?
The duration of keratitis treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Simple infections may heal within a few weeks, whereas treatment for resistant cases may last for months and require regular follow-up.