Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea of the eye. This condition is often characterized by red eyes accompanied by pain. The causes of keratitis vary, ranging from injury to until infection.
The cornea is the clear membrane that lines the outer part of the eye. Its functions include protecting the eyes from dust, germs, and other particles that can injure the eyes, as well as focusing the light that enters the eye. If the cornea is injured or infected, this function will also be impaired.
With prompt treatment, keratitis can be cured and complications can be prevented. On the other hand, if left untreated, keratitis can worsen and cause permanent damage to vision.
Causes of Keratitis
Keratitis is divided into 2, namely keratitis due to infection (infectious) and keratitis caused by conditions and factors other than infection (non-infectious). Here's the explanation:
Noninfectious keratitis
Noninfectious keratitis can be caused by any of the following conditions:
- Injury from scratching a foreign body on the cornea
- Improper use of contact lenses
- Excessive sun exposure, which can cause photokeratitis
- Weak immune system
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Dry eye syndrome
Scratches and injuries to the cornea are the most common causes of noninfectious keratitis. In addition to causing inflammation, scratches on the cornea can allow germs to enter the eye, causing infection.
Infectious keratitis
Infectious keratitis can be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. Several types of germs that cause infectious keratitis are:
- Bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus
- Herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus
- Mold Aspergillus, Candida or Fusarium
- Parasite Acanthamoeba
Keratitis is not contagious, unless accompanied by infection. Transmission occurs if a person touches the eyes without washing their hands first, after touching an open wound due to herpes or touching an object contaminated with germs.
Keratitis risk factors
Keratitis can happen to anyone. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing keratitis, namely:
- Wearing contact lenses for too long
- Wearing contact lenses while sleeping or swimming
- Not cleaning contact lenses properly
- Have a history of previous injury to the cornea
- Using corticosteroid eye drops to treat eye diseases
- Suffering from an illness or taking medication that weakens the immune system
Symptoms of Keratitis
Symptoms of keratitis usually appear in one eye, but can also occur in both eyes. These symptoms include:
- Red, painful and swollen eyes
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Eyes become sensitive to light
- Eyes constantly oozing tears or dirt
- Feels like there's something in the eye
- Blurred or out of focus vision
- Difficult to open eyes
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult a doctor if the above symptoms appear. Keratitis that is not treated quickly can get worse and lead to serious complications, including permanent vision loss and blindness.
Keratitis Diagnosis
The ophthalmologist will first ask the patient's symptoms and medical history, then perform a physical examination of the patient's eyes.
This examination can be done by shining a light on the patient's eye with a small flashlight to see how the pupil reacts to light, as well as an ophthalmoscope to examine the deeper parts of the eye, such as the optic disc, retina, and blood vessels.
Doctors can also perform examinations with slit lamp To determine the extent of infection in the cornea and its effect on other parts of the eyeball.
If needed, the doctor will take a sample of fluid or eye tissue for examination in the laboratory. This examination aims to determine the cause of keratitis and determine the appropriate treatment method.
Keratitis Treatment
Treatment of keratitis depends on its cause and severity, as well as the patient's overall health condition. Here are the treatments for keratitis by type:
Noninfectious keratitis
Non-infectious keratitis caused by a minor injury, such as a contact lens scratch, may resolve on its own. However, to help speed healing or if an eye infection is seen, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.
In patients with keratitis caused by dry eye syndrome, the doctor will give artificial tears and medication that can relieve complaints.
If the keratitis is caused by sun exposure (photokeratitis), patients are also advised to use special glasses that can reduce direct sunlight exposure to the eyes.
Keratitisinfectious
Treatment of infectious keratitis is done by administering drugs that are taken orally or dropped into the eye. The type of treatment given depends on the cause of the infection, namely:
- Antibiotic drugs, for infectious keratitis caused by bacteria or parasites
- Antiviral drugs, for viral infectious keratitis
- Antifungal drugs, for infectious keratitis due to fungi
Infectious keratitis caused by parasitic infection Acanthamoeba sometimes difficult to treat. Even if it is severe, the patient requires a corneal transplant.
Keratitis Complications
Keratitis that is not treated immediately can lead to serious complications, including:
- Chronic inflammation of the cornea
- Formation of scar tissue on the cornea
- Tear, open wound, or corneal ulcer
- Temporary or permanent loss of vision
- Blindness
Keratitis Prevention
Keratitis can be prevented by maintaining eye hygiene and health, as well as preventing eye injuries. One of them is by using and caring for contact lenses properly, namely:
- Remove contact lenses before going to bed or swimming
- Wash hands and dry them before handling contact lenses
- Using cleaning products specifically for contact lenses
- Change contact lenses regularly according to the instructions for use listed on the packaging or if the contact lenses are damaged
Another step to prevent keratitis is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes and the surrounding area with unsterilized hands, especially if you have herpes.
In addition, wear sunglasses that can block UV rays, and wear eye protection when doing activities that pose a risk of causing eye injury.