Keratitis (Corneal Ulcer)
Keratitis (Corneal Ulcer)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
1. What happens if keratitis is left untreated?
If left untreated, keratitis can lead to complications like corneal scarring, vision loss, or even blindness.
2. Is keratitis contagious?
Some forms, like viral keratitis, can be contagious, particularly if caused by herpes. Bacterial and fungal types are generally not contagious.
3. Can I wear contact lenses after recovering from keratitis?
It depends on your specific condition and recovery progress. Dr. Suraj Munjal will provide guidance on when and how to safely resume wearing contact lenses.
About Keratitis (Corneal Ulcer)
Keratitis, commonly known as a corneal ulcer, is an inflammation or infection of the cornea, the clear dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, injury, or prolonged use of contact lenses. If left untreated, keratitis can lead to severe complications, including vision loss.
Causes of Keratitis
Keratitis can be caused by several factors, including:
- Bacterial Infections: Contact lens wearers are more prone to bacterial keratitis, often caused by improper lens hygiene.
- Viral Infections: Viruses such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster can lead to viral keratitis.
- Fungal Infections: Fungi, often from plant materials or contaminated water, can lead to fungal keratitis.
- Parasites (Acanthamoeba): Acanthamoeba keratitis is rare but can be serious, often affecting contact lens users.
- Physical Injury: Trauma to the eye can result in keratitis.
- Dry Eyes or Corneal Exposure: Inadequate tear production can also make the eye vulnerable to infection.
Types of Keratitis
There are several types of keratitis based on the cause:
- Bacterial Keratitis: Typically caused by improper contact lens use or bacterial contamination.
- Viral Keratitis: Often due to herpes infections.
- Fungal Keratitis: Caused by fungal spores entering the eye, commonly after trauma.
- Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A parasitic infection associated with contaminated water and poor contact lens hygiene.
- Non-Infectious Keratitis: Caused by physical injury or irritation (such as from contact lenses or dry eyes).
Symptoms of Keratitis
If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult an ophthalmologist immediately:
- Eye Redness: Persistent redness in one or both eyes.
- Eye Pain: Moderate to severe eye pain that worsens with time.
- Blurred Vision: Difficulty in seeing clearly.
- Sensitivity to Light: Photophobia or aversion to bright lights.
- Tearing or Discharge: Watery eyes or pus-like discharge.
- Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Eye: Feeling like there is something in your eye that won’t go away.
Diagnosis of Keratitis
Dr. Suraj Munjal will perform a thorough eye examination, including:
- Slit Lamp Examination: A detailed inspection of the cornea using a special microscope.
- Corneal Scraping: A small sample of cells from the cornea is taken for laboratory analysis to identify the cause (bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic).
- Visual Acuity Tests: To measure how much your vision has been affected.
- Fluorescein Stain: A dye is used to highlight any corneal damage.
Treatment of Keratitis
The treatment of keratitis depends on the underlying cause:
- Bacterial Keratitis: Treated with antibiotic eye drops or oral antibiotics.
- Viral Keratitis: Managed with antiviral medications, such as eye drops or oral antiviral pills.
- Fungal Keratitis: Treated with antifungal eye drops or medications.
- Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Requires anti-parasitic medications and intensive treatment.
- Non-Infectious Keratitis: Eye drops and medications to reduce inflammation or dryness.
Cost of Treatment and Stay in India
India has become a preferred destination for eye care due to affordable costs and high-quality medical services. The cost of treating keratitis (corneal ulcer) in India varies depending on the severity and type of keratitis, ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 ($200 to $700).