EXPOSURE KERATITIS

 Exposure keratitis is a condition where the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, becomes irritated and inflamed due to prolonged lack of protection from the eyelid. This can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

Causes: -Failure of the eyelid to close properly, due to conditions such as facial nerve paralysis, Bell's palsy, or ocular trauma. -Prolonged use of contact lenses -Prolonged use of certain medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, which can dry out the eyes and inhibit normal blinking -Conditions that affect the production or quality of tears, such as dry eye syndrome or Sjogren's syndrome.

Symptoms: -Redness and pain in the affected eye -Sensitivity to light -Blurred vision -Feeling of foreign body sensation -Excessive tearing -Eyelid spasms, or frequent blinking

Diagnosis: -An eye examination, including a thorough eye history, visual acuity test and a examination of the front of the eye with a slit lamp. -Additional tests like Schirmer test, rose bengal test, tear break-up time, fluorescein staining of cornea.

Treatment: -Moistening drops or ointment to lubricate the eye and protect the cornea -Taping the eyelid closed at night to prevent exposure -The use of a shield or goggles to protect the eye during the day -Eyelid surgery to correct any underlying eyelid malposition -Artificial tears and lubricants to help keep the eyes moist.

Prognosis: -Prognosis depends on the underlying cause, severity of the keratitis and the time of treatment initiation. -The earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances are of preventing vision loss. -Regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist is important to monitor the progress of the condition and to ensure that any necessary adjustments to treatment are made.

In summary, Exposure keratitis is a condition that occurs due to prolonged corneal exposure caused by eyelid malposition, dry eyes or medication. It is characterized by symptoms such as redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent vision loss and it is crucial for patients to receive regular follow-up care. Treatment typically includes lubrication and protection of the cornea, which can be accomplished with lubricating drops, ointments, taping the eyelids closed at night, and the use of shields or goggles. In cases where there is an underlying eyelid malposition, eyelid surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ABETALIPOPROTEINEMIA (BASSEN-KORNZWEIG SYNDROME) Retinopathy

Image
Abetalipoproteinemia, also known as Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to absorb and transport fats and fat-soluble vitamins. One of the ways that abetalipoproteinemia can affect the eyes is by causing retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes vision loss. Retinitis pigmentosa is a degenerative eye disease that affects the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye). It is characterized by the gradual loss of photoreceptor cells (cells that detect light and send signals to the brain) and the accumulation of pigment in the retina. This can cause vision loss and may lead to blindness in severe cases. Abetalipoproteinemia can also cause optic atrophy, a condition in which the optic nerve (the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain) becomes thin and weak. This can cause vision loss and other visual problems. In conclusion, abetalipoproteinemia can affect the eyes by causing reti...
Read more

What is myopia?

Image
Myopia is nearsightedness and this condition of eye occurs when the power of eye is increased from the normal powers of eye. The normal powers of eye is 58DS and the eye with >58DS eye power will be marked as myopic eye.  Definition   When parallel light rays coming from the infinity focus Infront of the retina while the accommodation should be at rest this condition of eye is known as myopia.
Read more

Scleritis

Scleritis 👌is a painful inflammation (swelling) the sclera. The tough, fibrous tissues of the sclera form a protective outer layer for the eye and make up 83 percent of the eye’s surface. In almost half of all cases, scleritis is associated with an underlying autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis. There are two main types of scleritis: anterior and posterior. Anterior scleritis, the most common type, affects the front portion of the sclera. There are three types of anterior scleritis: Diffuse scleritis is the most common type and fortunately the most treatable. This type displays widespread redness and inflammation throughout the whole or a portion of the front portion of the sclera.     Nodular scleritis, is characterized by the presence of nodules , often tender to the touch, on the surface of the eye.     Necrotizing scleritis is the most severe form of anterior scleritis. It has the ability to destroy scleral tissues an...
Read more