KERATITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Inflammation of the cornea (the clear central portion of the eye that covers the pupil).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Eye.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Eye pain.
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light).
• Tears.

CAUSES

• Bacterial, viral or fungal infections. The most common is herpes simplex virus, Type I.
• Drying of the eye caused by an eyelid disorder or insufficient tear formation.
• Foreign object in the eye.
• Intense light, such as from welding arcs or the reflection of intense sunlight from snow or water. (Symptoms may not appear for 24 hours after exposure.)
• Vitamin-A deficiency (rare in normal diet).
• Allergy or sensitivity to eye cosmetics, air pollution, airborne particles (pollen, dust, mold or yeasts) and other allergens.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Poor nutrition, especially insufficient vitamin A.
• Illness that has lowered resistance.
• Crowded or unsanitary living conditions.
• Viral infections elsewhere in the body, especially cold sores or genital herpes.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Wear protective glasses if your work involves eye hazards.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that contains sufficient vitamin A or take multiple-vitamin supplements containing vitamin A.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Special eye exam confirms keratitis. A vision test may be performed also.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's (ophthalmologist's) treatment.
• Treatment usually involves eye medication.
• Surgery to replace the cornea (severe cases only).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Glaucoma.
• Ulceration of the cornea.
• Permanent scarring in the eye.
• Vision loss.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Depends on the cause. With early treatment, most types of keratitis are curable.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----A temporary eye patch is often necessary. It may limit your ability to take care of yourself.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may prescribe: Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops and ointments. Artificial tears.
• Don't treat any eye inflammation without consulting your doctor. Don't use non-prescription eye drops containing topical corticosteroids. These may worsen the condition or cause eyeball perforation.

ACTIVITY--Eye patching will restrict activity. Resume your normal activities gradually.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of keratitis.
• Your vision diminishes in any way.