Keratitis: Understanding the Condition

Keratitis is a medical condition that affects the cornea, the clear layer on the front of the eye. It occurs when the cornea becomes inflamed or infected, often due to bacterial or other pathogens.

What are the Key Symptoms?

• Eye pain or discomfort: A sharp or dull ache in one or both eyes that can be constant or come and go.
• Redness and inflammation of the cornea: The eye may appear red, pink, or swollen due to increased blood flow and swelling of the corneal tissue.
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light: Difficulty seeing clearly or feeling sensitive to bright lights or glare.
• Discharge or crusting on the eyelid: A yellowish or greenish discharge or crusty material on the eyelid, which can be a sign of infection.
• Sensitivity to touch or movement: The eye may feel tender to the touch or sensitive to movements, such as blinking or looking up and down.

Standard Diagnostic Tests

To diagnose keratitis, your doctor will typically perform one or more of the following tests:

• Slit-lamp examination: A specialized microscope that shines a bright light onto the eye to examine the cornea and other structures.
• Corneal scraping and culture: A sample is taken from the affected area of the cornea, which is then sent to a laboratory for bacterial or fungal culture.
• Fluorescein staining: A dye is applied to the eye to highlight any areas of damage or infection on the cornea.

Treatment and Prevention

The standard treatment for keratitis involves using topical antibiotic eye drops, which are effective against bacterial pathogens. In some cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is severe or widespread. Additionally, steroid eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation in non-infectious causes of keratitis. Bandage contact lenses can also provide relief by protecting the cornea and promoting healing.