Keratitis

Also known as: bacterial keratitis, viral keratitis, inflammation of the cornea.

What is keratitis?

The cornea is the clear domed-shaped surface in the front of the eye. It provides protection to both the iris and pupil of the eye. Keratitis is an inflammation or infection of the cornea.

What causes keratitis?

Keratitis can occur after an eye injury, a bacterial/viral/parasitic or fungal infection or due to lack of Vitamin A. Wearing contact lenses increases the risk of keratitis because of poor hand hygiene with its use.

What are the symptoms of keratitis?

Common symptoms include; a painful red eye, swelling, discomfort when the child looks at light (light sensitivity or photophobia), teary watery eye or discharge, blurry vision, and the feeling of something being in the eye.

What are keratitis care options?

Treatment is a medical emergency and the child should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Potential treatments for keratitis include protecting the cornea, eye drops and/or oral medications.


Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: September 06, 2019 02:41 PM