Overview of Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It can be caused by infections (bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic), injury or other medical conditions. This condition can range from mild irritation to serious vision-threatening complications if not treated promptly. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term damage.

Types of Keratitis

1. Bacterial Keratitis: Often caused by contact lens misuse or eye trauma.

2. Viral Keratitis: Commonly linked to herpes simplex or varicella-zoster viruses.

3. Fungal Keratitis: Typically occurs due to plant material injury or long-term steroid use.

4. Parasitic (Acanthamoeba) Keratitis: Rare but serious, often linked to contaminated water and contact lenses.

5. Superficial Punctate Keratitis (SPK): Characterised by small pinpoint lesions on the corneal surface.

6. Neurotrophic Keratitis: Results from nerve damage, leading to poor corneal healing.

7. Filamentary Keratitis: Mucus strands adhere to the cornea, causing discomfort.

8. Interstitial Keratitis: Inflammation within the corneal stroma, usually immune-mediated.

9. Herpetic Keratitis: Involves herpes simplex virus infection of the cornea.

10. Pigmentary Keratitis: Common in dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds, due to chronic irritation.

Symptoms of Keratitis

Redness and pain in the eye

Excessive tearing or discharge

Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Blurred or decreased vision

Feeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)

Swelling or haziness of the cornea

Causes of Keratitis

Eye trauma or injury

Contaminated contact lenses

Bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections

Autoimmune diseases

Dry eye or poor eyelid closure

UV light exposure (e.g., snow blindness)

Use of corticosteroid eye drops without supervision

Complications in Keratitis

Permanent vision loss or blindness

Corneal scarring or ulceration

Perforation of the cornea

Chronic eye pain or discomfort

Secondary infections

Glaucoma (in rare cases)

Risk Factors of Keratitis

Wearing contact lenses, especially overnight

Eye injuries or foreign objects

Weak immune system

Exposure to contaminated water sources

Existing eye conditions like dry eye syndrome

Use of topical steroids without prescription

Preventions of Keratitis

Follow proper contact lens hygiene

Avoid swimming with contact lenses on

Use protective eyewear in risky environments

Avoid rubbing eyes with unwashed hands

Prompt treatment of eye injuries or infections

Regular eye check-ups if you use lenses or have dry eyes