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| What is keratitis? | Symptoms | Treatment |
Keratitis is a microbial infection of the cornea that occurs after a foreign object penetrates the cornea. Bacteria or fungus gets into the opening, causing inflammation and infection that may erode the cornea. Keratitis often occurs as a complication of wearing contact lenses and handling them improperly.
Symptoms of keratitis include severe pain, blurred vision, and corneal discharge.
If you are experiencing some of the symptoms described here, it does not necessarily mean you have keratitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should contact your eye doctor for a complete exam. Click here for information on emergency or immediate care.
In case of a minor infection, treatment with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal eye drops may be all that is needed. Severe infection can require intensive antibiotic treatment as well as steroid treatments to reduce inflammation. Keratitis may require frequent visits to the ophthalmologist for several months to clear up the problem.
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