What is Keratitis?
Keratitis, the transparent cornea layer at the front of the eye inflammation The cornea provides clear vision by refracting light entering the eye. Therefore, if left untreated, keratitis can lead to serious vision problems, even permanent vision loss.
Frequently asked questions?
How Does Keratitis Occur?
Keratitis can occur for different reasons. The most common causes are:
🔹 Infections
Bacterial keratitis: Caused by bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus.
Viral keratitis: It is caused by herpes simplex and shingles (varicella-zoster) viruses.
Fungal keratitis: May be caused by fungi such as Fusarium and Aspergillus.
Acanthamoeba keratitis: A rare but serious parasitic infection that usually occurs as a result of unhygienic contact lens use.
🔹 Contact lens use
Wearing lenses for long periods of time, without paying attention to hygiene, or while sleeping increases the risk of keratitis.
🔹 Traumas (injuries)
Foreign objects, scratches, or chemical contact with the eye can cause keratitis.
🔹 Dry eyes
Insufficient tear production can cause inflammation, making the cornea unable to protect itself.
🔹 Allergies and autoimmune diseases
Immune system diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also cause keratitis.
🔹 Infections
Bacterial keratitis: Caused by bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus.
Viral keratitis: It is caused by herpes simplex and shingles (varicella-zoster) viruses.
Fungal keratitis: May be caused by fungi such as Fusarium and Aspergillus.
Acanthamoeba keratitis: A rare but serious parasitic infection that usually occurs as a result of unhygienic contact lens use.
🔹 Contact lens use
Wearing lenses for long periods of time, without paying attention to hygiene, or while sleeping increases the risk of keratitis.
🔹 Traumas (injuries)
Foreign objects, scratches, or chemical contact with the eye can cause keratitis.
🔹 Dry eyes
Insufficient tear production can cause inflammation, making the cornea unable to protect itself.
🔹 Allergies and autoimmune diseases
Immune system diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also cause keratitis.
Keratitis Symptoms?
Keratitis usually manifests itself with the following symptoms:
-Redness in the eyes
-Eye pain (mild or severe)
-Sensitivity to light
-Blurred vision
-Stinging and burning sensation in the eyes
-Eye watering or discharge
-Swelling in the eyelid
-Foreign body sensation in the eye
Note: If you have these symptoms, it is recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist without delay.
-Redness in the eyes
-Eye pain (mild or severe)
-Sensitivity to light
-Blurred vision
-Stinging and burning sensation in the eyes
-Eye watering or discharge
-Swelling in the eyelid
-Foreign body sensation in the eye
Note: If you have these symptoms, it is recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist without delay.
Types of Keratitis?
-Infectious Keratitis: Caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
-Toxic Keratitis: Non-toxic, usually caused by environmental causes.
-Herpetic Keratitis: It is caused by the herpes virus.
-Traumatic Keratitis: Develops after injury to the eye.
-Dryness Keratitis: Occurs due to insufficient tear production.
-Toxic Keratitis: Non-toxic, usually caused by environmental causes.
-Herpetic Keratitis: It is caused by the herpes virus.
-Traumatic Keratitis: Develops after injury to the eye.
-Dryness Keratitis: Occurs due to insufficient tear production.
How Is Keratitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through an examination and tests performed by an ophthalmologist. If necessary, an eye sample may be taken to identify the microorganism causing the infection.
Keratitis Healing Process?
-Mild cases usually resolve within a few days.
-In moderate to severe cases, recovery may take weeks to months.
-Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are very important to prevent permanent corneal damage.
- Things to consider during the treatment process:
-Use the medications prescribed by your doctor regularly.
-Do not rub your eyes
-Use drops with clean hands
-If you use lenses, do not wear them during treatment.
-Avoid environments such as pools, sea, jacuzzis
-Wear sunglasses in sunny weather
-Stay away from cigarette smoke and dusty environments