Understanding Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment from Dr. Tiffany Liu
Keratitis, recognized alternatively as a corneal ulcer, entails the inflammation or irritation of the cornea. Although manageable, this condition stands as the predominant cause of corneal blindness attributed to infections in the United States. Dr. Tiffany Liu, a specialist in corneal issues at the Wilmer Eye Institute, imparts crucial insights into this ocular ailment.
Indicators of Keratitis
Typical symptoms associated with keratitis include:
- Redness in the eye
- Sensation of a foreign body in the eye
- Eye pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Reduction in vision
Varieties of Keratitis
Infectious Keratitis:
- Viral Causes: Herpes simplex virus type 1, chickenpox virus, or viruses linked to certain upper respiratory infections.
- Bacterial Factors
- Parasitic Infections
- Fungal Origins
- Vitamin A Deficiency
- Improper Contact Lens Practices: Such as prolonged wear, inadequate cleaning, or wearing during swimming.
Noninfectious Keratitis:
- Corneal Injury: Scratches, for instance.
- Dryness or Inflammation
- Presence of Foreign Bodies
- Excessive Ultraviolet Light Exposure
- Allergic Reactions
- Improper Contact Lens Practices: Such as prolonged wear, inadequate cleaning, or wearing during swimming.
Preventing Keratitis
Vigilance for symptoms like redness, pain, discomfort, and changes in vision is pivotal for prevention. Dr. Liu emphasizes the significance of proper contact lens hygiene: "If you wear contacts, it’s so important to follow the proper steps to clean and disinfect your lenses and change them out when needed. This prevents bacteria and other unsanitary bodies from infecting your eyes.”
Diagnosing Keratitis
Diagnosis is typically conducted during an eye examination. In certain instances, a sample of the corneal surface might be obtained using a cotton swab or through a biopsy.
Treating Keratitis
Treatment approaches for keratitis are diverse, contingent upon the diagnosis:
Noninfectious Keratitis:
- Mild Cases: Artificial tears
- Severe Cases: Employment of a bandage to shield the eye and anti-inflammatory eye medication
Infectious Keratitis:
- Mild Cases: Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eyedrops based on the cause of infection
- Severe Cases: Oral medication
When to Consult a Physician
Early signs of keratitis warrant immediate medical attention. Dr. Liu underscores the importance, stating, “If not treated, keratitis can lead to a variety of issues, such as corneal scarring, frequent infections of the cornea, temporary - or even - permanent vision loss.”