Get express prescriptions in minutes
icon-3
Refill Prescription
icon-4
UTI
icon-5
Birth Control
icon-6
STD
icon-6
ED
icon-1
Hair Loss
icon-2
Acne
icon-1
Allergies
icon-2
Asthma
icon-2
Malaria
icon-2
IBS
icon-2
Hemorrhoids
icon-2
Urinary Incontinence
icon-2
Conjunctivitis
Trustpilot
bookconsultancy

Quick Online Appointments

Easily book an appointment for keratitis treatment online. Get expert advice from doctors who will assess your symptoms, suggest practical solutions, and guide you through recovery—all without the hassle of an in-person visit.

medical

Personalised Treatment Plans

Start keratitis treatment online with a customised plan just for you. Mobi Doctor can provide expert recommendations, including medication or care tips, to help protect your vision and manage your symptoms from the comfort of your home.

bookdoctor

Reliable Doctor Support

Find trusted care for keratitis anytime, anywhere. Our online doctors offer guidance, answer your concerns, and recommend treatments to ease discomfort and support recovery. Convenient care is just a click away.

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Keratitis?

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear, curved layer at the front of your eye that protects the iris and pupil. This condition can occur with or without an infection.

 

Infectious keratitis is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, while non-infectious keratitis may result from minor injuries, such as wearing contact lenses too long or getting a foreign object in the eye. Sometimes, it can also develop in people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

 

If left untreated, keratitis can lead to serious complications, including corneal ulcers or vision loss. However, with prompt attention and treatment, most cases can be managed effectively, protecting your eyesight. If you notice any unusual redness, discomfort, or changes in your vision, you must see a doctor immediately to avoid potential long-term damage.

Keratitis Symptoms

Keratitis can cause a range of symptoms that are often noticeable and uncomfortable. If you suspect you have keratitis, look out for the following signs:

  • Eye Redness: The affected eye may appear bloodshot or irritated.

  • Eye Pain: Discomfort ranging from mild irritation to severe pain.

  • Gritty Sensation: A feeling like something is stuck in your eye.

  • Watery Eyes: Excessive tearing or discharge, sometimes yellow or green.

  • Difficulty Opening The Eyelid: Pain or stickiness may make it hard to open the eye.

  • Blurry Or Cloudy Vision: The inflammation affects the cornea, making sight less clear.

  • Sensitivity To Light (Photophobia): Bright lights may cause discomfort or pain.

  • Swelling: In some cases, the eye or eyelid may swell.

These symptoms can develop quickly and may worsen without treatment. If you experience any of these signs, seeing an eye doctor as soon as possible is essential to prevent complications and protect your vision.

Keratitis Causes

Keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea, can have both infectious and non-infectious causes. Understanding these can help prevent and manage the condition effectively.

Non-Infectious Causes

Non-infectious keratitis is often triggered by physical or environmental factors that irritate or damage the cornea. Common causes include:

  • Contact Lenses: Prolonged or improper use of contact lenses, such as wearing them while sleeping, can scratch or dry out the cornea.

  • Eye Injuries: Scratches from foreign objects or accidents during surgery can lead to corneal inflammation.

  • Dry Eyes: Reduced tear production can increase the risk of keratitis.

  • UV Exposure: Photokeratitis, or sunburn of the cornea, can result from excessive UV light exposure, such as sunlight, tanning beds, or watching solar eclipses without protection.

  • Eyelid Conditions: Issues like entropion (inward-turning eyelids) can cause the eyelashes to scrape the eye’s surface.

  • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis may cause dryness, leading to inflammation.

  • Vitamin A Deficiency: Lack of this essential nutrient can weaken the cornea, increasing the risk.

Infectious Causes

Infectious keratitis occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade the cornea. Key causes include:

  • Bacteria: The most common infectious agents, often associated with contaminated contact lenses or solutions.

  • Viruses: Herpes simplex and shingles (herpes zoster) can cause recurring keratitis.

  • Fungi: Injuries involving plant material or dirty lenses can introduce fungi to the eye.

  • Parasites: Amoebas in lakes, rivers, hot tubs, or tap water can cause acanthamoeba keratitis, particularly in people who swim with contact lenses.

Each type of keratitis requires specific care. If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.

Keratitis Treatment

The treatment for keratitis depends on its cause and severity. Early and proper care is essential to prevent complications and protect your vision.

Infectious Keratitis

Treatments for infectious keratitis focus on addressing the specific organism causing the inflammation:

  • Bacterial Keratitis: Treated with antibiotic eye drops, often administered multiple times daily. Severe infections may require oral antibiotics or more frequent applications, including at night.

  • Fungal Keratitis: This condition requires antifungal eye drops and, in some cases, oral antifungal medication. Treatment may take several weeks to months.

  • Viral Keratitis: Antiviral eye drops or oral medications are prescribed to manage infections caused by viruses like herpes simplex. Artificial tears can help relieve symptoms. Since viral keratitis has no cure, it may recur, and some patients need ongoing antiviral medication.

  • Parasitic (Acanthamoeba) Keratitis: Treated with antiparasitic eye drops. However, these infections can resist medications, requiring prolonged treatment over several months. In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary.

If medication fails to resolve the infection or if there is significant corneal damage, corneal transplant surgery may be recommended.

Non-Infectious Keratitis

Artificial tears, eye ointments, or cold compresses can soothe discomfort for mild cases. An ophthalmologist may prescribe topical steroid eye drops to reduce swelling if symptoms are severe.

Important Care Tips

  • Stop wearing contact lenses immediately if you have symptoms of keratitis.

  • Complete the full course of prescribed medications, even if symptoms improve.

  • Visit your eye doctor if symptoms worsen, your vision becomes blurry, or redness and swelling increase.

Prompt and proper treatment can effectively manage keratitis, ensuring a full recovery and protecting your eyesight.

Keratitis Prevention

Keratitis can often be prevented by following good eye care habits, particularly if you wear contact lenses or are at risk of eye injuries or infections. Here are some essential steps to minimise your risk:

Contact Lens Care

  • Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.

  • Remove contact lenses before sleeping, swimming, or showering.

  • Use a recommended cleaning solution to disinfect and store your lenses; never use tap water or saliva.

  • Clean and replace your contact lens case every 3–6 months, allowing it to air dry between uses.

  • Replace your lenses per your doctor’s schedule, and avoid wearing expired or damaged ones.

  • Avoid mixing old and new cleaning solutions in the case.

  • Have a backup pair of glasses when your lenses cannot be worn safely.

General Eye Care

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eyes.

  • Wear protective goggles or glasses when working with plants, chemicals, or machinery.

  • Protect your eyes from bright sunlight by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.

  • Use artificial tears if you have dry eyes or a condition that affects tear production.

  • Ensure your diet includes vitamin A-rich foods like eggs and dairy, which support eye health.

Preventing Infections

  • Avoid touching your eyes if you have cold sores or herpes blisters.

  • Only use eye drops recommended or prescribed by your doctor.

  • Wash your hands frequently to reduce the spread of viruses.

  • Keep allergens away to prevent irritation.

Regular check-ups with an eye doctor can also help detect any issues early, ensuring your eyes stay healthy and free from keratitis. Mobi Doctor can help you prevent and manage keratitis with expert online consultations, personalised advice, and effective treatment plans

Swipe up to see a Dr.

close