Keratitis is a serious eye condition that affects the clear layer over the front of your eye, known as the cornea. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria, and when this is the case it is referred to as infectious keratitis. The condition can also be non-infectious in origin and can be caused by trauma or wearing contact lenses for longer than is recommended by the manufacturer. When left untreated, keratitis can leave you with permanent damage to your eyesight.
Symptoms
Symptoms of keratitis can appear gradually and can include eye irritation, localised inflammation, an increase in tear production and sensitivity to light. Without prompt treatment, symptoms can progress and it's common to experience changes to your vision, such as blurred vision and loss of peripheral vision. Changes to vision are sometimes resolved with treatment, but it's not always possible to restore your vision completely, as damage to the cornea can alter the angle that light travels through your eye to the retina.
Diagnosis And Treatment Approach
Your optometrist will diagnose keratitis by taking details of your symptoms and carrying out a thorough eye exam. They will use a penlight and slit lamp to see magnified images of your eyes and identify areas of inflammation and damage on the corneal surface. If they feel it's necessary, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist for further diagnostic testing, which may include having a sample of your eye secretions tested for the presence of fungus or bacteria.
Your optometrist will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and the identified cause of the condition. You may require antibiotics, antibacterial eye drops or anti-inflammatory medication. Topical steroids are sometimes required to promote healing of the cornea, and if your eyes are dry due to inflammation, you may need artificial tear drops, as keeping your eyes moist will speed up the healing process. Additionally, if you have been wearing your contact lenses for too long or if you haven't been cleaning them properly, your optometrist may recommend you try another type of contact lenses, such as single-use disposables. It's also possible that you will need to switch to wearing glasses or have your prescription changed if there's lasting damage to your vision.
If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or if you have concerns about how to use and clean your contact lenses, speak to your optometrist as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary discomfort or damage to your eyes.
Share25 November 2020
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