is a condition in which the
Eye 's
Cornea is inflamed.
Inflammation of the cornea may result from many things:
- Amoebic keratitis. Amoebic infection of the cornea is the most serious corneal infection, usually affecting soft Contact Lens wearers.
- Bacterial keratitis. Bacterial infection of the cornea can follow from an injury or from wearing contact lenses.
- Fungal keratits
- Vira l keratitis
- Herpes Simplex keratitis. Viral infection of the cornea is often caused by the Herpes Simplex virus which frequently leaves what is called a 'dendritic ulcer'.
- Herpes Zoster keratitis
The symptoms are often very similar to those of
Conjunctivitis , an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The eye turns very red and there may be sensitivity to light, and the eye may feel uncomfortable. In the later stages of more severe cases, there can be strong pain, loss of vision/blurriness, and pus may form.
Effective diagnosis is important in detecting this condition and subsequent treatment as keratitis is sometimes mistaken for an allergic
Conjunctivitis .
Treatment depends on the cause of the keratitis.
Usually, bacterial keratitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops.
