Fact Sheet on Keratitis
What is it?
Another name for this eye condition is corneal ulcers. This condition occurs after trauma to the cornea with a foreign body (including contact lenses), and with dry eyes or lid disease which allow bacteria or fungi to enter the cornea. This will cause infection to occur. The most common type is herpes simplex keratitis, same as what causes cold sores on or around the mouth. This infection usually begins with the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelid, and the part of the eyeball that comes into contact with the conjunctiva.
Another form is bacterial and is many times caused by inadequate makeup or contact lens hygiene.
What part of the visual system is affected?
This eye condition affects the cornea and at times even the iris.
What are the effects of this condition on my visual system and how can I function with this condition?
This condition may cause severe pain, reduce visual clarity, produce a corneal discharge, and perhaps erode the cornea.
When does this condition occur in life and what does the future look like?
Keratitis is slow to heal, it may take several weeks. Recurrences are common and severe cases can cause permanent scarring.
Are there common treatments for this condition?
Minor corneal infections are commonly treated with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal eye drops. In severe cases, an eye care professional may need to scrape the diseased area and then patch the eye for healing.
References:
1. Keratitis. (2008). Retrieved June 28, 2008, from The University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Web site: http://www.kellogg.umich.edu/patientcare/conditions/keratitis.html
2. Keratitis. (2008). Retrieved June 28, 2008, from Vision Web Web site: http://www.visionweb.com/content/consumers/dev_consumerarticles.jsp?RID=93
3. Herpes Simplex Eye Disease. (2007). Retrieved June 28, 2008, from St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute Web site: http://www.stlukeseye.com/Conditions/HerpesSimplex.asp
4. Herpes Simplex Keratitis. (2005). Retrieved June 28, 2008, from The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals Web site: http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec09/ch102/ch102d.html
5. Herpes Simplex Keratitis. (n.d.). retrieved June 28, 2008, from Handbook of Ocular Disease Management Web site: http://www.revoptom.com/handbook/SECT31a.HTM
Prepared by: Sabrina Carter