Keratitis
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea — the clear front layer of the eye. Infectious keratitis, especially in contact lens wearers, can damage vision if not treated promptly.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- ICD-10: H16
- Common cause: Contact lens infections
- Treatment urgency: High — possible vision loss
When to Seek Urgent Eye Care
See an eye care professional same-day for:
- Eye pain with redness and decreased vision
- Severe light sensitivity
- Discharge from the eye
- Contact lens wearer with red, painful eye — remove lens immediately
Symptoms
- Eye redness and pain
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of something in the eye
- Discharge
- Difficulty opening the eye
Causes
- Bacterial infection (especially Pseudomonas in contact lens wearers)
- Viral infection (herpes simplex)
- Fungal infection
- Acanthamoeba (rare but serious, often from water exposure to lenses)
- Non-infectious — dry eye, contact lens overuse, autoimmune disease
Diagnosis
- Slit-lamp examination with fluorescein staining
- Corneal scraping for culture in severe cases
- Tear film tests
Treatment
- Topical antibiotic drops for bacterial keratitis (often very frequent dosing)
- Antiviral therapy for herpes keratitis
- Antifungal medications for fungal keratitis
- Specific therapies for Acanthamoeba
- Surgery (corneal transplant) for severe scarring
Prevention
- Wash hands before handling contact lenses
- Never use tap water with contacts; never shower or swim in them
- Replace lens cases regularly
- Don't sleep in lenses unless specifically approved
- Follow recommended replacement schedules
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Keratitis Patient Information.