Keratitis

• Contact lens wear, especially overnight use or poor lens hygiene
  
  

• Eye injury or trauma, including scratches or foreign bodies
  
  

• Eye infections, such as herpes simplex or shingles
  
  

• Dry eye disease or reduced tear production
  
  

• Exposure to contaminated water, including swimming or hot tubs while wearing contact lenses
  
  

• Weakened immune system, due to illness or medications
  
  

• Chronic eye surface disease, such as blepharitis or eyelid inflammation
  
  

• Recent eye surgery or prolonged use of steroid eye drops

Eye redness, often worsening over time

Eye pain or discomfort, ranging from mild to severe

Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Blurred or reduced vision

Excessive tearing or watery eye

Eye discharge, which may be sticky or purulent

Foreign body sensation or feeling something is in the eye

Difficulty opening the eye, especially in bright light

In more severe cases, a white or grey spot on the cornea (corneal infiltrate or ulcer)

Treatment for keratitis depends on the cause and severity, but early treatment is crucial to protect vision.

If keratitis is infectious, treatment usually involves prescription eye drops:

• Antibiotic drops for bacterial keratitis
  
  

• Antiviral drops or tablets for viral keratitis (such as herpes)
  
  

• Antifungal drops for fungal keratitis
  These drops are often started frequently and may be adjusted once test results are available.
  
  

For non-infectious keratitis, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting healing. This may include lubricating eye drops, temporary cessation of contact lenses, and treatment of underlying problems such as dry eye or eyelid disease. In selected cases and under specialist supervision, steroid eye drops may be used.

In severe cases, hospital admission may be required for intensive treatment and close monitoring. If scarring or corneal damage significantly affects vision, surgical options such as corneal transplantation may be considered once the infection has resolved.