Any inflammation of the cornea of the eye. Keratitis is a condition in which the eye's cornea, the front part of the eye, becomes inflamed. The condition is often marked by moderate to intense pain and usually involves impaired eyesight.

Complications of Keratitis
The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources for Keratitis includes:

• Corneal ulcer
• Loss of sight (see Blindness) - mainly from the bacterial type
• Blindness

Causes of Keratitis

• Viruses cause some forms of keratitis. Some viruses indicated in keratitis are Herpes Simplex 1 and 2, rubella, measles, and mumps. Though very rare, mononucleosis may also cause keratitis.
• Certain bacteria may also be responsible for producing keratitis. Exposure to either staphylococcus and streptococcus when left untreated can cause significant damage to the eyes. If one suspects eye infections, a doctor will usually prescribe drop antibiotics to prevent bacteria from attacking the corneal tissue.
• Sometimes, keratitis develops as a reaction to certain antibiotics, or when antibiotics cause harmful fungi to develop. Treatment for fungal infections generally involves oral doses of anti-fungal medications. Fungal infections are common in those with immunosuppressive illnesses, and also those who wear contacts overnight.
• Parasitic infections have been noted to occasionally affect the eyes. In these cases, parasites are often passed to the eyes through a lapse in hygiene. A person who does not wash his or her hands after using the bathroom and subsequently rubs the eyes, may pass parasites to the eyes. Contact lens wearers are also more at risk for parasitic infections. In the case of both fungal and parasitic infections, risk can be reduced by removing lenses at night and by carefully cleaning lenses before each use.
• Those who suffer from severe allergies or who have chronic dry eye syndrome have an increased risk factor for developing most of the above types of keratitis. Drops to help reduce irritation in eyes for those with allergies, or to help produce tears may lubricate the eye properly and help people avoid keratitis.

Signs & Symptoms of Keratitis

Keratitis usually makes the eyes very painful and watery, bloodshot, and sensitive to light. The condition is often accompanied by blurred or hazy vision. If the herpes simplex virus is the cause, you will notice a small white spot on the cornea.

Diagnosis of Keratitis

A slit-lamp examination reveals the depth of the keratitis. If keratitis is due to herpes simplex virus, staining the eye with a fluorescein strip produces one or more small branch like (dendritic) lesions; touching the cornea with cotton reveals reduced corneal sensation. Vision testing may show slightly decreased acuity. The patient history may reveal a recent infection of the upper respiratory tract accompanied by cold sores.

Treatments of Keratitis

Treatment depends on the cause of the keratitis

• Infectious keratitis generally requires antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral therapy to treat the infection. This treatment can involve prescription eye drops, pills, or even intravenous therapy. Over-the-counter eye drops are typically not helpful in treating infections. In addition, contact lens wearers are typically advised to discontinue contact lens wear and discarding contaminated contact lenses and contact lens cases. Antibacterial solutions include Quixin (levofloxacin), Zymar (gatifloxacin), Vigamox (moxifloxacin), Ocuflox (ofloxacin - available generically). Steroid containing medications should not be used for bacterial infections, as they may exacerbate the disease and lead to severe corneal ulceration and corneal perforation. These include Maxitrol (neomycin+polymyxin+dexamethasone - available generically), as well as other steroid medications. One should consult an Optometrist or qualified Ophthalmologist for treatment of an eye condition.
• Some infections may scar the cornea to limit vision. Others may result in perforation of the cornea, (an infection inside the eye), or even loss of the eye. With proper medical attention, infections can usually be successfully treated without long-term visual loss.

Prevention of Keratitis

• Many cases of keratitis could be avoided with common sense and good hygiene. Protecting your cornea from cuts with sports and protective eyewear is the first step, since keratitis also results from a corneal injury. If you have a cold sore or genital herpes , avoid touching your eyes - and avoid over-the-counter steroid eye drops, which can worsen this type of infection.
• Children and adults who wear contact lenses should always use sterile lens-cleaning and disinfecting solutions.
• Do not over wear contact lenses at night and remove them if the eyes become red or irritated.
• Also consume a well-balanced diet, including vitamin A-rich foods such as carrots, squash, mangoes, sweet potatoes and spinach.

When to seek Medical Advice

• Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of keratitis.
• Eye pain or redness of eyes are urgent symptoms that require prompt medical attention.