Do I Have Keratitis?

Do you have eye redness?

Do you have eye pain?

Do you have excess tears from your eye (watery eye)?

Do you have a discharge from your eye?

Do you have difficulty opening your eyelid because of pain or irritation?

Do you have blurred vision?

Do you have decreased vision?

Do you have increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)?

Do you have a feeling that something is in your eye?

Does your cornea, which is otherwise clear, now look gray or has a white to gray surface?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have keratitis. Keratitis is a medical condition that refers to an inflammation of the cornea. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped tissue forming the front of the eye. The cornea covers both the iris and the pupil. Keratitis is a common condition in people who wear contact lenses. The use of contact lenses can increase the risk of developing keratitis, especially if the lenses are not stored and cleaned properly. Keratitis can also be caused by an injury, infection, abnormalities of the eyelids, decreased quality or quantity of tears (dry eyes), and various underlying medical conditions.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have keratitis. Keratitis is an eye condition characterized by inflammation of the cornea. Any break or disturbance of the surface layer of your cornea can lead to keratitis. There are two types of keratitis: infectious and non-infectious. Infectious keratitis can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Non-infectious keratitis can be the result of an eye injury, wearing your contacts too long, wearing your contacts while swimming or a weakened immune system. A special type of keratitis - photo keratitis is caused by exposure to intense sunlight. Diagnosing is based on an eye examination and laboratory tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have keratitis. Keratitis is a medical term for inflamed cornea. The cornea is a clear layer of tissue at the front of your eye. Keratitis can affect your vision and cause pain. If left untreated, keratitis can worsen over time and in severe cases can lead to blindness. Treatment of keratitis depends on the form you are suffering from. Treatment includes eye drops, medications, artificial tear drops and wearing a 24-hour eye patch. With timely diagnosis and therapy including follow-up care, keratitis can be cured without permanent visual impairment.