Keratitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Keratitis (ker-ah-TEYE-tis) is an inflammation (swelling) of the cornea. The cornea is the thin, colorless covering in the front of the eye. It protects the iris (colored part of the eye) and pupil (opening of the eye where light passes). Keratitis may be ulcerative (open sores) or non-ulcerative (no sores), and may lead to loss of vision. It may be caused by germs, such as bacteria and viruses, fungi (yeast-like germs), or parasites (bugs). It may also be due to diseases that cause inflammation or past eye surgery. Eye trauma or eye problems, such as eyelashes growing into the eye, may also put you at risk of having keratitis. Poor contact lens care or having a weak immune system may also increase your risk.
  
  
• Common signs and symptoms of keratitis may include eye pain, redness, and tearing. Your vision may be blurred or your cornea may have sores. A detailed health history and a complete eye exam may be needed for diagnosis. Tests, such as a culture and smear exam, and a biopsy, may also be done. Treatment will depend on the cause of your keratitis and how bad the condition is. This may include medicines to treat an infection or surgery to replace the cornea. With treatment, such as medicine, more serious problems of keratitis may be prevented.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Eye medicines: When using eye drops or ointment, do not let the tip of the bottle or tube touch your eye. This could scratch your eye, or cause or spread an infection. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after putting medicine in your eye.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Preventing keratitis:

• Always wear safety glasses, eye shields, or goggles when working with power tools, gardening, or playing sports.
  
  
• Do not rub your eyes while working with wood or metal pieces. If a foreign body gets into your eye, do not rub your eye or try to remove the object.
  
  
• The correct use of contact lenses is very important. Know when and how long they can be used, and how to clean and store them properly.
  
  
• Prevent or treat risk factors, such as controlling diabetes. Follow the directions of your caregiver when treating other eye problems.
  
  
• You may need to take antibiotics if you are at a very high risk of getting keratitis. They are usually given when you have other infections in the body that are caused by bacteria. Ask your caregiver for more information on taking antibiotics for prevention of keratitis.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have trouble seeing.
  
  
• Your have discharge from your eye.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your disease, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your eye problems do not go away or become worse.
  
  
• You suddenly lose your eyesight.
  
  
• You feel a sudden, sharp pain in your eye.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Keratitis (Aftercare Instructions)