CORNEAL INFLAMMATION

Overview and Facts

Corneal inflammation with the medical term keratitis is an eye inflammation that causes pain. An infection or a physical injury might bring it on. There are several types of corneal inflammation, each of which requires specific treatment.

The eye is extremely sensitive, and it has several layers in place to defend itself from damage. The eyelid protects the eye from infection by covering it with tears and fluid. At the same time, the cornea is the eye’s outermost protective layer, and it shields the eye from dirt, germs, and disease. Because it is one of the first lines of defence, the cornea is more prone to irritation and inflammation.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

Infectious ulcerative keratitis (IUK). It is a condition that causes painful eye redness and a cloudy cornea. It is a vision-threatening disease that affects people all over the world.

Noninfectious ulcerative keratitis (NIUK). It is a challenging condition associated with systemic problems and peripheral corneal invasion. It has a clinical presentation comparable to IUK but no known infectious origin. The onset of corneal inflammation in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases could signal the beginning of a life-threatening condition.

SYMPTOMS

The most common symptoms of corneal inflammation are:

  • Pain
  • Tearing 
  • Redness and blurring of vision

Depending on the source and extent of the inflammation, the pain might range from minor to severe. Light sensitivity may also be present. The eye may appear red and watery to a person, and they usually clear cornea may appear grey or have white to grey streaks if the cornea has severe keratitis.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Doctors diagnose corneal inflammation by looking into the eyes of the patient. They’ll conduct a comprehensive eye examination, including a vision test.

It might be difficult to immediately distinguish between Infectious ulcerative keratitis and Noninfectious ulcerative keratitis, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. That’s why a thorough examination is required.

TREATMENT

The following are common treatments to help manage and cure corneal inflammation.

  • Antibiotic eye drops
  • Artificial tears or lubricating ointment
  • Eye drops 

These treatments are sometimes used to dilate your eyes and reduce pain. Doctors would also recommend you avoid whatever triggered the eye inflammation, such as welding or using chemicals, if possible. Doctors will also check if you’re wearing contact lenses correctly and cleaning them properly.

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