What is Keratitis?
keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, which is the transparent outermost layer of the eye that covers the pupil and iris. It is the most common type of eye inflammation (the colored ring around the pupil). Keratitis is most commonly caused by an infection or an injury to the cornea.
The following are the causes of Keratitis bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. Infectious keratitis can occur as a result of corneal damage. However, an injury might inflame the cornea without causing a subsequent infection.
Viral keratitis is quite frequent, and the viruses that cause it include the following:
Adenovirus, one of the viruses that cause upper respiratory infections.
This is the same virus that causes cold sores, and it can lead to shingles.
Varicella-zoster (commonly known as shingles) is a herpes virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
Bacterial keratitis is a less common cause of keratitis than viral keratitis. In developed countries, parasitic and fungal keratitis are uncommon.
Infectious keratitis typically begins on the cornea's outer layer, but it can progress deeper into the cornea, increasing the risk of vision impairment.
Keratitis that is not infectious is a symptom of several autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome.
Keratitis can arise as a result of trauma to the front of the eye, such as with improperly fitting contact lenses, corneal surgery (including LASIK surgery), or any other lesion to the cornea.
Contact lens wearers are at an elevated risk of developing infectious keratitis. If a person suspects that he or she is getting an eye infection, lens usage should be discontinued immediately.
Symptoms
Among the symptoms of keratitis are the following:
The appearance of a red eye
A sensation of something in the eye, such as sand
Opening the eyelids is difficult.
When keratitis is caused by an injury or infection, such as the herpes simplex virus, it usually affects just one eye; however, when keratitis is caused by another cause, both eyes may be affected.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider will inquire about your symptoms, vision, and general health. Your doctor or an eye expert will examine the surface of the cornea using a magnifying device to check for a microscopic ulcer produced by a viral infection. When caused by herpes simplex, this ulcer sends out star-like branches and is most seen after a dye is used to briefly tint the cornea. Infection of the cornea with Herpes simplex may be followed by infection of the eyelid. On the eyelid, small, painful blisters resembling lip cold sores may form.
Additionally, your physician may:
Evaluate your visual acuity and clarity (visual acuity)
Assesses your pupil's sensitivity to light.
Examine your eye with a slit lamp, a specialized device.
Gently swab inside the eyelid to obtain a sample for culturing in the laboratory.