{"id":9009,"date":"2019-08-16T09:19:09","date_gmt":"2019-08-16T09:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9009"},"modified":"2021-06-18T19:52:40","modified_gmt":"2021-06-18T19:52:40","slug":"14-main-symptoms-of-keratitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-main-symptoms-of-keratitis\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Main Symptoms of Keratitis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Keratitis is a condition that occurs when the cornea becomes inflamed. The cornea is an integral structure of the eye; it\u2019s the clear portion that covers and protects the pupil and the iris from things like debris, bacteria, and viruses. Like other parts of the eye, the cornea can become damaged; in fact, it is more prone to damage than other structures within the eye because of its location and the function it serves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keratitis is a common condition and it can be caused by a number of factors; wearing contact lenses for a prolonged period of time or wearing dirty contact lenses, scratches, exposure to contaminated water, and exposure to powerful UV light are all factors that can contribute to this condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With prompt treatment, recovery should be fairly quick. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your eye doctor for an evaluation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Red eyes. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every day, you are exposed to a variety of environmental pollutants, and those pollutants can affect your eyes; namely, they can make the white part (the sclera) appear read. Exposure to allergens<\/a>, such as grass, pollen, and hay, often contribute to red eyes. Other factors that can make the eyes appear red include lack of sleep, dry air, and using the eyes for prolonged periods of time without taking proper rest (staring at a computer screen or reading, for example). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reddening of the eye can also be a sign of several ailments; most notable, conjunctivitis, or \u2018pink eye\u2019; however, it can also be a sign of keratitis. If the whites of your eyes appear red, over-the-counter eye drops and rest aren\u2019t helping, and you aren\u2019t experiencing other symptoms that are attributed to conjunctivitis (tearing, discharge, crusting, itching, and burning), it could be a sign of corneal inflammation.  
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Pain.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like redness, eye pain is fairly common and can be attributed to a variety of factors. For example, if you are not well-rested, your eyes may feel painful, or if something has gotten in your eye, they can feel irritated. Pain can also be a sign of several eye conditions, such as \u2018pink eye\u2019, eye strain<\/a>, a sty, blepharitis, and glaucoma; however, these conditions are usually associated with other symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, with a sty, a bacterial infection that occurs within the glands that surround the base of the eyelashes, you\u2019ll likely notice a bump and the pain will be concentrated around that bump, and with glaucoma, you may experience halos when looking at the light, as well as nausea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discomfort and pain within the eye(s) can also be associated with keratitis. If you are experiencing eye pain \u2013 along with other symptoms on this list \u2013 see your healthcare provider. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Feeling of a foreign object.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When something foreign enters your eye, you immediately notice it, as it distinctively feels as if something is trapped within it. You might experience a mild twinge of pain or a sharp burning sensation<\/a>. Shortly after experiencing the sensation, you\u2019ll likely notice that your eyes are tearing as your body\u2019s natural defenses work to push the irritant out. It\u2019s not unusual for things to become lodged within the eye; eyelashes, dust, pollen, dander, hair, and a variety other elements can easily make their way into the eye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, however, the feeling that something is trapped in the eye isn\u2019t actually caused by a foreign object, but rather by a medical condition; conjunctivitis and corneal abrasions can feel like something is trapped in the eye, for example. Keratitis can also make it feel as if a foreign object has become lodged within the affected eye. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Tearing or discharge.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another symptom that is often associated with keratitis is excessive tearing or discharge. Your eyes may seem like they are constantly watering, as they would if you were suffering from hay fever or if smoke got in your eye. The watering can become thicker and resemble a discharge that\u2019s similar to the discharge the eye produces when it has become ill with conjunctivitis<\/a>. Because the symptoms that are associated with keratitis are so similar to other eye afflictions, it\u2019s important to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these side effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A correct diagnosis and proper treatment is crucial for this condition, as with other all other afflictions of the eye. If you are noticing that your eyes are excessively teary or that they seem to be producing a discharge, and you are also experiencing any other signs on this list, seek prompt medical care.  
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Light sensitivity.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The eyes are naturally sensitive <\/a>to light; especially bright lights, such as direct sunlight and high wattage artificial lights. However, generally, the eyes can tolerate exposure to moderate- to low levels of light, as the iris naturally contracts as a form of protection. There are conditions that can make you more sensitive to light, including moderate- and low-levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the part of the eye that covers the pupil and iris. The iris and pupil control the level of light that passes through the eye. Because the cornea covers the pupil and iris, when it is inflamed, they are unable to function properly; in other words, too much light may enter through the iris and pupil into the eye, which can make you more sensitive to light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, a symptom that is very commonly associated with keratitis is sensitivity to light. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Difficult time keeping eye open. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another symptom that those who are afflicted with keratitis <\/a>often experience is difficulty keeping the eye open. This symptom is caused by a culmination of several of the other side effects that are associated with this condition. When your eyes are highly sensitive to light, constantly tearing, are in pain, and feel like there is a foreign object trapped in them, keeping your eyes open can be hard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your eyes irritated or damaged in any way, opening them can enhance these uncomfortable symptoms. As a result, you will struggle to keep them open. When you do open them, you will more than likely notice that exposure to any light will hurt, the feeling that something is trapped within your eye will be intensified, and the watering and\/or discharge will increase.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re struggling to keep your eyes open, keratitis could be the cause.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Blurred vision.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who suffer from keratitis often state that their vision seems to be blurred. This condition is marked by an inflammation of the cornea<\/a>. The cornea is a clear tissue that sits over the eye, including the pupil; the part of the eye that allows you to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, the role of the cornea is to protect the pupil and iris, both of which control the level of light that passes through the eye. As a result, the pupil can dilate more or less than it normally would, which can impact your ability to see properly; therefore, your vision can become blurred, as it is becoming more difficult to focus on objects when your pupil is distorted and unable to function properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice experience any of the other symptoms on this list and your vision is blurred, it is likely that you have keratitis. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Inflammation around the eye. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, if you are suffering from keratitis, you may notice that the area around your eye is swollen or inflamed. This condition occurs when the cornea, the clear part of the eye that covers the pupil and iris, becomes inflamed, which leads to all of the other symptoms that have been noted on this list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the eye itself is damaged, the area surrounding it can also become inflamed and swollen. The reason? Swelling <\/a>is the body\u2019s natural way of protecting itself from an injury or illness. Since keratitis is caused by injury or infection, the swelling can extend beyond the cornea itself to the area that surrounds the eye. This swelling can be significant, and as such, you can be visible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the swelling, the skin around the eye may look red. See a doctor if you \u2018re experiencing swelling around your eye. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>