Ophthalmology

Inflammation of the cornea

synonym

Keratitis

definition

If the cornea of the eye is inflamed, it is called corneal inflammation. This is less common than conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitis). The two inflammations can also occur together, then one speaks of one Keratoconjunctivitis.

For general information on the subject of "inflammation of the eye" please also read: Inflammation of the eye

Detecting inflammation of the cornea

What are the symptoms of corneal inflammation?

The cornea is often cloudy. In addition, the eyes water and are very painful. Usually they are also reddened. The eye can become more sensitive to light (Photophobia). The feeling of having a foreign body in the eye and burning sensation in the eye are also symptoms. In contrast to conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitisvision may be impaired. Irritation of the iris is not uncommon (Iritis) available.

How is corneal inflammation diagnosed?

The ophthalmologist looks at the eye with a slit lamp. The Schirmer test can be used to test how much tear fluid is present. Small strips of so-called litmus paper are placed in the lower conjunctival sac in both eyes. After 5 minutes, a check is made to see how long the stretch of paper strip is that is now moistened with tear fluid. The normal value is 10-20 millimeters per 5 minutes.

If infectious keratitis is suspected, a conjunctival swab can be performed, after which the pathogen can be determined in the laboratory. It is also possible to do a biopsy. A small tissue sample is taken from the cornea.

Read more about this topic here: biopsy

Treating corneal inflammation

How is corneal inflammation treated?

In the event of any suspicion, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately, as otherwise the eyesight can be permanently restricted.

Therapy depends on the cause of the corneal inflammation. In the case of a bacterial attack on the cornea, for example, eye drops containing antibiotics are prescribed. Antimyotics are used for fungal infections, local antivirals for viral origin. For dry eyes, moisturizing eye drops can help

The eye drops containing antibiotics include the dexa-gentamicin eye drops. These fight gentamicin-sensitive pathogens. Read more about this under: Dexa-gentamicin eye drops or Dexa-gentamicin eye ointment

Hydrocortisone eye drops can be used for chemical causes as well as physical causes.

If scars have formed that cause persistent deterioration in vision, the cornea may become detached in severe cases, and a corneal transplant may be necessary. But this happens very rarely. With timely treatment, the corneal inflammation usually heals without long-term consequences.

Preventing corneal inflammation

What causes corneal inflammation?

There are many different causes of keratitis. A distinction is made between infectious and non-infectious causes.

Infectious causes include infections with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. Particularly common bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus, pneumococci and streptococci, common viruses herpes simplex, adenoviruses and varicella-zoster virus. Fungal or amoebic infections can also lead to corneal inflammation.

Pathogens often enter through contaminated liquids such as contact lens care products or swimming pool water. This is made easier by wearing contact lenses for too long, which damages the cornea. In general, dry eyes also promote keratitis of infectious origin, since the cornea is so insufficiently wetted with tear fluid. If the eye cannot be closed properly, for example due to paralysis of the facial nerve, it can also dry out. Infectious corneal inflammation is contagious.

The non-infectious causes include: Irritation from chemical substances such as aerosols (e.g. steam, smoke or mist) from acids or alkalis. They are more precisely assigned to the chemical cause. The physical cause is the excessive exposure to UV radiation, such as when sunbathing, which irritates the eyes. Mechanical causes are injuries caused by foreign bodies. With keratitis of non-infectious origin there is no risk of infection.

How can you prevent inflammation of the cornea?

If risk factors such as contact lens wear are present, the eyes should be examined regularly. Eliminating the risk factors is the best prevention. For example, contact lenses should not be worn longer than specified and the contact lens case should be cleaned regularly. If you have strong UV radiation, you should wear sunglasses. Excessive work on computer screens should be avoided.

Course of inflammation of the cornea

What are the risk factors for corneal inflammation?

Contact lens use is the biggest risk factor for developing one Keratitis. Since dry eyes promote keratitis, many causes of dry eyes are also risk factors for Keratitis. These include, for example, the widened eyelid gap, which leads to incomplete eyelid closure (Lagophthalmos) or disorders of the facial nerve, which is responsible for closing the eyelids.

Various underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, tumors, sarcoidosis, syphilis or even chronic alcohol abuse increase the risk of developing keratitis. Medicines that suppress the immune system, the so-called immunosuppressants, in turn promote infectious keratitis, as the pathogens can spread better when the immune system is suppressed.