INFLAMMATIONS OF THE CORNEA

Inflammation of the cornea, also known as keratitis, is a condition in which the clear, outer layer of the eye becomes swollen and irritated. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, injury, or exposure to chemicals or other irritants. Keratitis can range from a mild, easily treatable condition to a serious, sight-threatening disorder.

Symptoms of Keratitis

  • Pain, redness and light sensitivity in the affected eye
  • Blurred vision or visual distortion
  • Excessive tearing or discharge from the eye
  • The feeling of something in the eye
  • Swelling or cloudiness of the cornea

Types of Keratitis

  1. Infectious Keratitis
  • Bacterial Keratitis: caused by bacterial infection such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.
  • Fungal Keratitis: caused by fungal infection such as Fusarium and Aspergillus species.
  • Viral Keratitis: caused by viral infection such as Herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus.
  1. Non-Infectious Keratitis
  • Allergic Keratitis: caused by an allergic reaction to a substance such as pollen or animal dander.
  • Autoimmune Keratitis: caused by an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
  • Chemical Keratitis: caused by exposure to chemicals such as chlorine or ammonia.
  • Thermal Keratitis: caused by exposure to extreme heat or cold.
  • Physical/mechanical Keratitis: caused by injury to the eye or eyelid or by wearing contact lenses for an extended period of time.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of keratitis typically involves a thorough eye exam, including visual acuity testing and examination of the cornea with a microscope. In some cases, a sample of the discharge or tissue from the cornea may be taken for culture and sensitivity testing to identify the specific cause of the infection.

Treatment for keratitis varies depending on the underlying cause. In cases of infectious keratitis, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed to eliminate the infection. For non-infectious keratitis, treatment may involve avoiding the substance or condition that is causing the irritation or inflammation, as well as the use of anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory medications.

Prevention and Management

  • Wearing goggles or safety glasses to protect the eyes from dust, chemicals, and other irritants.
  • Washing your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes
  • Not sharing personal items such as towels, contact lenses or makeup
  • Following proper contact lens care and replacement schedule
  • Seeking medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of keratitis

In severe cases or in those that do not respond to treatment, a corneal transplant may be required to restore vision and repair the damage to the cornea.

Keratitis can be a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly and properly. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of keratitis and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms. With proper treatment, most cases of keratitis can be successfully managed and vision loss can be prevented.

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