Keratitis
What is keratitis?
Inflammation of the cornea is called keratitis. There are several types and reasons. Early diagnosis of the disease is very important for treatment.
How does keratitis occur?
Keratitis is a serious eye disease resulting from inflammation of the stratum corneum, located at the front of the eye. Foreign bodies in the eye, misuse of lenses, blocked tear ducts, and allergic conditions in the eyes can cause keratitis.
What are the symptoms of keratitis?
- Redness in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Burning
- Pain around the eyes
- Discharge from the eyes
- Lachrymation
What is herpetic keratitis?
Herpetic keratitis affects the clear outer layer of the eye called the cornea. When the virus infects the cornea, symptoms such as redness, pain, eye sensitivity, tearing, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light occur. In advanced cases, ulcers (wounds) or scars may form on the cornea. This condition can lead to serious consequences such as vision problems and vision loss if left untreated.
For these reasons, it is important to see an ophthalmologist to protect the health of your eyes. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular follow-up, herpetic keratitis can be controlled and, in most cases, the risk of vision loss can be reduced.
Treatment of keratitis
Treatment for keratitis is based on identifying the underlying cause and developing an appropriate treatment plan. Among the methods of treatment applied to patients with keratitis after diagnosis are:
- Eye drops or ointments
- Stop using contact lenses, if any.
- Surgical intervention
Treatment of keratitis is usually successful with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For this reason, an eye examination is recommended at the onset of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does keratitis go away on its own?
Keratitis is usually a disease that does not go away on its own. The underlying cause and factors of corneal inflammation play an active role in determining treatment.
Underlying causes may include bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, trauma, contact lens wear, dry eyes, immune system problems, and other factors.
Keratitis can be controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Following the treatment plan recommended by your ophthalmologist after diagnosis will help expedite the healing process.
Does keratitis recur?
Even if keratitis is treated, in some cases it can recur, like other corneal diseases.
However, you can take precautions to prevent it from happening again:
- Maintain eye hygiene: You can reduce the risk of infection by washing your hands frequently and keeping your hands clean before touching your eyes.
- Proper use of contact lenses: Hygienic use, cleaning, and disinfection of lenses are essential. You should follow your doctor's recommendations for lenses.
- Dry eye treatment: If you have dry eye complaints, you should regularly use the eye drops recommended by your doctor.
- Strengthening your immune system: A healthy lifestyle, ie a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoidance of stress, supports your immune system.
The most important step to prevent the recurrence of keratitis is regular eye examinations. Your ophthalmologist can monitor your condition, assess risk factors, and recommend appropriate measures for you.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
*The content of this page is for informational purposes only. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Last Update Date: 02.06.2023
