{"id":27559,"date":"2024-06-03T21:49:05","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T19:49:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/corneal-inflammation-keratitis-causes-symptoms-treatment-for-inflammation-of-the-cornea\/"},"modified":"2024-10-02T20:45:31","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T18:45:31","slug":"corneal-inflammation-keratitis-causes-symptoms-treatment-for-inflammation-of-the-cornea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/corneal-inflammation-keratitis-causes-symptoms-treatment-for-inflammation-of-the-cornea\/","title":{"rendered":"Corneal inflammation (keratitis): causes, symptoms & treatment for inflammation of the cornea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Corneal inflammation is an often underestimated eye disease that can lead to serious damage if left untreated.\nIn this article, you will find out what causes keratitis can have, what symptoms occur and what treatment methods are used to cure it. <\/p>\n\n

What is corneal inflammation?<\/h2>\n\n

Corneal inflammation, medically known as keratitis<\/strong>, is an inflammation of the cornea of the eye.\nThe cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye that focuses light and directs it into the eye, allowing us to see.\nInflammation in this area can therefore significantly impair vision<\/strong> and cause serious discomfort. <\/p>\n\n

What causes keratitis – triggers and risk factors that promote inflammation<\/h2>\n\n

Keratitis is not uncommon and can occur even with good hygiene.\nFor effective prevention, it is important that you know the main causes of keratitis in order to minimize the risk factors.\nThe most common causes of inflammation of the cornea in the eye are – in no particular order: <\/p>\n\n

Bacterial \/ viral infection<\/h3>\n\n

Bacteria such as staphylococci or pseudomonas<\/strong> can infect the cornea, often through contaminated contact lenses or eye injuries. <\/p>\n\n

Herpes simplex viruses<\/strong> are a common cause of viral corneal infections.\nThese infections can be recurrent and require antiviral medication.\nOther viruses such as the varicella zoster virus (shingles)<\/strong> can also affect the cornea. <\/p>\n\n

Fungi such as Fusarium or Aspergillus<\/strong> can cause corneal inflammation after injury from plant material or in warm, humid climates. <\/p>\n\n

A rare but serious parasite is the acanthamoeba<\/strong>, which particularly affects contact lens wearers.\nTreatment is lengthy and requires special antiparasitic medication. <\/p>\n\n

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\n

Contact lenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wearing contact lenses overnight, poor hygiene or wearing lenses<\/strong> for longer than the recommended time increases the risk of infection.\nRegular cleaning and correct use are crucial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allergic reactions <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Allergies to pollen, dust or certain eye drops<\/strong> can cause inflammation of the cornea.\nAntiallergic eye drops and avoiding allergens are helpful measures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry eyes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An insufficient tear film<\/strong> can dry out the cornea and make it more susceptible to infection and inflammation.\nArtificial tears and other moisturizing agents help to protect the cornea. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Woman<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n

Symptoms of corneal inflammation at a glance: <\/h2>\n\n

Keratitis can lead to many – sometimes unspecific – symptoms, which make a quick visit to the ophthalmologist advisable, especially if they occur together.\nDepending on the causes and stage, the symptoms can be more or less pronounced.\nSigns of inflammation of the eye are <\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • Eye pain<\/strong> (sometimes severe) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Redness of the eye:<\/strong> due to inflammation of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva and the surrounding tissue layers <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Blurred vision:<\/strong> Significant impairment due to swelling <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia): <\/strong>Pain when exposed to strong light and strong glare <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Increased production of tear fluid <\/strong>as a defense reaction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Foreign body sensation<\/strong> in the eye in the form of itching or burning <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Discharge of purulent or watery secretions<\/strong> in the case of infection-related keratitis <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Ulcer<\/strong> on the cornea <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    If left untreated, corneal inflammation can progress to such an extent that, in the worst case, the eyes can be permanently damaged. <\/p>\n\n

    What is the difference to conjunctivitis? <\/h3>\n\n

    Although both conjunctivitis<\/strong> and keratitis involve inflammation of the eye, they differ in several important ways:<\/p>\n\n

    Conjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent mucous membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the white surface of the eye (sclera). <\/p>\n\n

    The causes of these two diseases are varied.\nConjunctivitis can be triggered by viruses such as adenoviruses, bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci, allergens such as pollen and dust or irritants such as chlorine in swimming pools or smoke. <\/p>\n\n

    Conjunctivitis is characterized by redness of the eye, itching and burning, lacrimation, discharge of clear, watery or purulent secretions and sticky eyelids, especially after sleeping.\nIn contrast, the symptoms of corneal inflammation are often more severe. <\/p>\n\n

    How corneal inflammation is treated:<\/h2>\n\n

    The treatment of corneal inflammation, also known as keratitis, varies depending on the cause of the inflammation.\nRapid and targeted therapy is crucial to protect vision and prevent permanent damage to the cornea. <\/p>\n\n

    \n
    \n

    Bacterial keratitis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bacterial corneal inflammation requires rapid treatment with antibiotic eye drops.\nCommonly used antibiotics are fluoroquinolones or combinations of several antibiotics to cover a wide range of bacteria.\nIn severe cases, additional systemic antibiotic therapy may be necessary.\nThe treating physician will often take cultures to identify the specific bacteria and adjust therapy accordingly. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Man<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    Viral keratitis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

    Viral infections of the cornea, especially those caused by herpes simplex viruses, require antiviral medication.\nCommon antiviral agents are acyclovir, ganciclovir or trifluridine.\nThese medications are usually applied as eye drops or ointments.\nIn severe cases or with recurring infections, systemic antiviral therapy may be necessary. <\/p>\n\n

    Fungal keratitis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

    Fungal corneal inflammation requires special treatment with antimycotic medication.\nCommonly used active ingredients are natamycin, amphotericin B and voriconazole.\nThese medications are administered as eye drops; in severe cases, systemic therapy may also be necessary.\nThe treatment of fungal infections can be lengthy and requires close monitoring by an ophthalmologist. <\/p>\n\n

    Parasitic keratitis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

    A rare but serious form of corneal inflammation is caused by parasites such as acanthamoebae.\nTreatment includes special antiparasitic drugs, often in combination, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and chlorhexidine.\nAs the treatment is lengthy and complex, regular check-ups by an ophthalmologist are necessary. <\/p>\n\n

    Physical injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

    Injuries to the cornea, such as scratches or foreign bodies, can also cause inflammation.\nTreatment includes removal of the foreign body, if present, and the use of antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection.\nAnalgesic eye drops and a protective eye patch may also be prescribed. <\/p>\n\n

    General measures<\/p>\n\n

    Regardless of the specific cause of keratitis, additional measures may be required:<\/p>\n\n

      \n
    • Pain relief:<\/strong> Analgesic eye drops or oral painkillers may be prescribed to relieve the discomfort.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Anti-inflammatory:<\/strong> In some cases, steroid eye drops can be administered to reduce inflammation.\nHowever, these must be used carefully under medical supervision as they can increase the risk of infection. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Moisturizing:<\/strong> Artificial tears or moisturizing eye drops can be used to keep the cornea moist and support the healing process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

      Corneal inflammation and laser eye surgery: a contraindication<\/h2>\n\n

      Corneal inflammation (keratitis) is a significant contraindication for laser eye treatments such as LASIK or PRK<\/strong>.\nThis is because active inflammation of the cornea can significantly impede healing.\nThis can also promote scarring.\nIn addition, the inflammation can (temporarily) impair the structure and stability of the cornea, which makes laser eye surgery significantly more risky. However, the fact that you have had keratitis once does not mean that laser eye surgery is no longer possible.\nIt is only important that the inflammation has been treated<\/strong>, the waiting period has been observed<\/strong> and a thorough preliminary examination<\/strong> has been carried out before treatment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Corneal inflammation is an often underestimated eye disease that can lead to serious damage if left untreated. In this article,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":24092,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27559","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27559"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27559\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24092"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27559"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}