Keratitis Types And How To Treat Them

By Caroline Hawthorn 

Keratitis can be caused by a number of things. The three major types of this condition are fungal, bacterial, and viral, depending on the specific cause of the condition. The cornea of your eye becomes irritated or inflamed, and this is normally the result of an injury or corneal penetration that results in an infection. This condition is not difficult to treat once a diagnosis of the cause has been made, but it is important that you receive treatment right away. Waiting too long can cause permanent blindness in some cases. Approximately fifty thousand people will develop this condition each year, and the specific treatment will depend on what the cause is. Good hygiene and hand washing practices could prevent many of these cases.

Fungal keratitis is caused by a fungal infection. The fungi responsible can be one of more than seventy different fungus species that has been known to cause this condition. Fungal infections as the cause are rare, but they are more common in tropical climates. It can be very difficult for an ophthalmologist to isolate the specific fungus responsible so that the right treatment can be given. Once the cause has been identified as a fungus then you may be prescribed or given anti fungal ointment or drops to use in your affected eye as directed. This condition has risen significantly in the last three decades, and many believe it is due to the use of corticosteroids and other immune suppressant drugs given to treat the corneal inflammation.

Bacterial keratitis can be caused by a number of different bacterial infections. One of the most common causes is not cleaning or taking proper care of contact lenses, which allow bacteria into your cornea. Another cause is using daily wear lenses which are soft and then leaving these contacts in overnight. Makeup that has been contaminated by bacteria can also cause this condition. If your condition is caused by bacteria you may wake in the morning and be unable to open your eyes because they are stuck shut. This form of the condition can be very aggressive, and should be treated immediately. Antibacterial ointments or drops will be prescribed for you to place in your eyes. These medications will kill off the bacteria causing the inflammation and infection. This condition can be contagious, so make sure you wash your hands and any objects which touch your affected eye thoroughly.

Viral keratitis is most commonly caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus, but this is not always the case. While herpes simplex causes many cases of this condition it can also be caused by the varicella zoster virus, as well as adenoviruses. If the herpes simplex virus is the cause of your corneal problems in this case it can recur whenever you have an outbreak. If you do not seek treatment this could result in scarring on your cornea, problems with your vision, or even glaucoma or blindness eventually. Anti viral eye drops or ointments may be prescribed, as well as medications to reduce the inflammation in your cornea. In severe cases surgery may be required to remove any damaged or dead corneal tissue.

Caroline Hawthorn is one of the authors of the health informational web portal HealthArticles101.com.

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