Complete Guide about Keratitis
Keratitis is a condition that affects the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. It is characterized by inflammation, which can lead to discomfort, impaired vision, and potentially serious complications if left untreated. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and Keratitis treatment in Mumbai methods
Brief about Keratitis
Keratitis is an umbrella term that encompasses various types of corneal inflammation. It can be classified based on the underlying cause, such as infectious keratitis (caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites), non-infectious keratitis (caused by factors like injury, radiation, or autoimmune disorders), and other specific types like neurotrophic keratitis (related to impaired corneal nerve function).
Causes of Keratitis
Infectious keratitis can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria (like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (like herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus), fungi (like Candida or Fusarium), or parasites (like Acanthamoeba).
Non-infectious keratitis can result from various factors, such as:
- Injury or trauma to the cornea (e.g., scratches, foreign objects, chemical burns)
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (e.g., from sunlight or tanning beds)
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Dry eye syndrome or inadequate tear production
- Contact lens wear, especially with poor hygiene or improper lens care
Symptoms of Keratitis
Eye redness and inflammation
Pain or discomfort in the affected eye
Excessive tearing or discharge from the eye
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Blurred or reduced vision
Sensation of a foreign body in the eye
Diagnostic Procedures for Keratitis
To accurately diagnose keratitis and determine the appropriate course of treatment, your ophthalmologist may perform the following diagnostic procedures:
- Comprehensive eye examination: The doctor will carefully examine your eyes using specialized instruments to assess the extent and severity of the corneal inflammation.
- Slit-lamp examination: This specialized microscope allows a detailed examination of the cornea and other structures of the eye.
- Corneal staining: Special dyes may be applied to the eye to highlight any areas of corneal damage or abnormalities.
- Corneal culture: If an infection is suspected, a sample of the corneal tissue or discharge may be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis to identify the causative microorganism.
Keratitis Treatment Methods
The treatment for keratitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatment methods:
- Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops or ointments: For infectious keratitis, specific medications will be prescribed based on the identified microorganism to control the infection and prevent further complications.
- Steroid eye drops: In some cases, steroid eye drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
- Lubricating eye drops or ointments: These can help manage dry eye symptoms and promote corneal healing.
- Bandage contact lenses: In severe cases, a special contact lens may be used to protect the cornea and promote healing.
- Corneal surgery: In cases of severe corneal damage or scarring, surgical procedures like corneal transplantation may be necessary to restore vision.
Keratitis relevant information
Type of Keratitis | Cause | Symptoms |
Bacterial Keratitis | Bacterial infection (e.g., Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas) | Pain, redness, discharge, vision impairment |
Viral Keratitis | Viral infection (e.g., herpes simplex, varicella-zoster) | Pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision |
Fungal Keratitis | Fungal infection (e.g., Candida, Fusarium) | Redness, discharge, vision impairment |
Acanthamoeba Keratitis | Parasitic infection (Acanthamoeba) | Pain, redness, vision impairment |
Non-infectious Keratitis | Injury, radiation, autoimmune disorders | Redness, pain, light sensitivity |
FAQs on Keratitis
Infectious keratitis caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites can be contagious, especially through direct contact or sharing of personal items. Non-infectious keratitis is not contagious.
In severe cases, if left untreated, keratitis can potentially lead to corneal scarring, vision impairment, or even blindness. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent long-term complications.
The recovery time can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. With proper treatment, most cases of keratitis resolve within a few weeks, but more severe cases may take longer to heal completely.
Book Appointment with Keratitis treatment in Mumbai Specialist in Goregaon, Malad, Borivali (Mumbai) - Dr Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic
If you or a loved one are experiencing inflammation to the eye, it is crucial to seek professional medical attention. Early diagnosis and proper management can help preserve vision and improve quality of life. Dr. Anurag Agarwal, a senior ophthalmologist in Mumbai with over 22 years of experience, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic eye disorders. Schedule an appointment today on call!
Contact Senior Eye Surgeon in Mumbai – Dr Anurag S. Agarwal. Dr Anurag Agarwal is available at 4 Hospitals in Mumbai Suburban.
- Apex Hospital – Borivali West
- Criticare Asia- Malad West
- Jain Hospital – Goregaon West
Book an Appointment with Dr Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic in Goregaon, Mumbai Suburban today to schedule a thorough allergy evaluation.