Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. This condition can be painful and, if left untreated, may lead to serious complications, including vision loss. Keratitis can be caused by infections, injuries, or underlying medical conditions, and it requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term damage to the eye.

At Sri Nirwana Netralaya, we provide comprehensive care for patients with keratitis, offering advanced diagnostic services and a range of treatment options to address this potentially sight-threatening condition.

Causes of Keratitis Keratitis can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Infectious Keratitis: This type is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. It is more common in people who wear contact lenses, especially if they do not follow proper lens hygiene.

  • Bacterial Keratitis: Often associated with contact lens use, poor hygiene, or corneal injuries.
  • Viral Keratitis: Commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus, leading to recurrent episodes.
  • Fungal Keratitis: Caused by fungi, typically following an eye injury involving plant material or in individuals with weakened immune systems.
  • Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A rare but serious infection caused by a parasite, often linked to improper contact lens care.

• Non-Infectious Keratitis: This form can result from an eye injury, dry eyes, exposure to UV light (such as from tanning beds), or an autoimmune condition.

  • Exposure Keratitis: Occurs when the eyelids do not fully close, leaving the cornea exposed and vulnerable to drying out and becoming inflamed.
  • Allergic Keratitis: Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, causing inflammation of the cornea.

Symptoms of Keratitis Keratitis can present with a variety of symptoms, which may include:

• Eye pain or discomfort
• Redness in the eye
• Excessive tearing or discharge
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• A feeling of something being in the eye (foreign body sensation)
• Swelling of the eyelid or surrounding tissues
• Decreased vision, especially in severe cases