Keratitis is a medical term for an inflammation of the cornea (that's the clear, dome-shaped tissue in the front of your eye that covers your iris and pupil). According to MedlinePlus, the noninfectious variety may be caused by extended contact lens wear or a corneal scratch and can be treated with topical medications or by wearing an eye patch. The infectious type can be bacterial, fungal, viral, or caused by parasites; it may need to be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications. Either way, this condition causes redness, pain, irritation, and blurry vision.
What Are the Symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include
- Redness
- Discharge/tears
- Pain
- The sensation that you have something in your eye
- Blurry or decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light
What Are the Causes?
Here are some of the leading causes:
- Corneal scratch: If something scratches your cornea, it can lead to noninfectious keratitis. If the injury allows bacteria to enter the cornea, an infection may develop.
- Unclean contact lenses: Contact lenses that are not cleaned or disinfected properly can become contaminated by bacteria or parasites. Extended wear contacts can make you more susceptible, and wearing any contacts longer than recommended has many drawbacks.
- Viruses: Certain viruses, such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster, have been known to cause keratitis.
- Contaminated water: Chemicals used in swimming pool water may irritate your cornea, and this tends to subside after a few hours. However, bacteria and parasites in oceans, lakes, or even hot tubs can cause corneal issues in certain circumstances. This is unlikely, but keratitis can occur if there has been a breakdown of the corneal epithelium from wearing contact lenses too long.
What Are the Dangers?
Keratitis can lead to chronic corneal inflammation, corneal ulcers, corneal swelling or scarring, or recurrent viral corneal infections. In some cases, these ailments can lead to decreased vision or even blindness.
How Can You Prevent It?
If you wear contact lenses, heed these tips:
- Properly clean and disinfect your contacts, and always wash your hands before you handle them.
- Choose daily wear contacts and take them out every night before you go to sleep.
- Don't wear your contacts when you swim.
- Replace contacts as recommended and get a new case every few months.
- Throw out the leftover solution in your case after you disinfect.
Mild to moderate cases of keratitis can be treated easily. If left untreated, however, it can lead to loss of vision. If you have red eyes or other symptoms, call your eye doctor.
For questions or comments, contact Woodhams Eye Clinic.
