CAUSES OF KERATITIS

Do you know that keratitis can result in blindness? Yes! Sight-threatening complications can occur if keratitis is left untreated or not treated appropriately.

CAUSES/ RISK FACTORS OF NON-INFECTIOUS KERATITIS:

•  Eye injury: keratitis can result from a relatively minor injury/ scratch to the cornea. This injury may occur from the prolonged wear of contact lenses, foreign bodies stuck on the cornea, or having chemicals (fumes or liquids) splashed in the eye.
• Allergies: Reactions to allergens could result in keratitis. It is usually associated with allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Reduced immunity: some diseases or prolonged use of certain medications can weaken the immune system; this increases the risk of developing keratitis.
• Corticosteroids: using corticosteroid eye drops to treat certain eye diseases puts one at risk of developing keratitis. 

CAUSES OF INFECTIOUS KERATITIS

The causes of infectious keratitis are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. 

VIRAL KERATITIS:

Viruses like herpes simplex can cause keratitis. This type of keratitis recurs. It presents with the following symptoms:

•  Eye pain and redness
•  Blurred or decreased vision
•  Sensitivity to light
•  Watery discharge and tearing 
•  Difficulty opening your eyelid because of pain or irritation.
•  A feeling that something is in your eye 

WHERE IS HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS FOUND?

It is found in humans only; it is transferred from person to person through direct contact with someone infected by the virus. 

If you notice any of these symptoms of keratitis, make an appointment to see an eye specialist at TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako, Abuja. 

Stay tuned for our next post on treatment and prevention of viral keratitis.

TREVEC CARES!!!