Keratitis: causes, symptoms, and treatment
Treatment of keratitis is important to relieve symptoms that cause significant discomfort such as redness, itching, and the cornea the transparent layer that covers the front part of the eye. Keratitis can lead to vision problems and annoying symptoms that affect the quality of daily life. In this article, we will discuss the most important information about the causes of keratitis, its symptoms, and available treatment methods.Causes of keratitis
- Infection: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections are the main causes of keratitis. Viruses such as herpes can cause severe eye inflammation.
- Injuries: Injuries resulting from foreign objects entering the eye or exposure to chemicals may lead to corneal irritation and inflammation.
- Drought: Lack of moisture in the eye can lead to dryness of the cornea and worsen symptoms. People who suffer from dry eyes are at risk of developing keratitis.
- Using contact lenses: Improper use of contact lenses or wearing them for long periods without a break increases the risk of keratitis, especially if the lenses are not cleaned well.
Symptoms of keratitis
- Eye redness.
- A burning or tingling feeling.
- Increase in tears or dry eyes.
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- Excessive sensitivity to light.
Treatment of keratitis
- Medicines: The doctor may prescribe antibacterial or antiviral drops, depending on the type of infection, to treat the underlying cause of the inflammation.
- Comfort: Avoid using screens for long periods, as exposure to screens can increase eye strain.
- Using artificial tears: Artificial tears help moisturize the eyes and relieve symptoms such as dryness.
- Consultation with an ophthalmologist: If symptoms worsen or do not improve with simple treatments, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist to determine the optimal treatment.
Tips to prevent keratitis
- Wash hands regularly and avoid touching eyes.
- Use sunglasses to protect the eyes from dust and wind.
- Avoid using contact lenses for long periods without a break.
