{"id":9342,"date":"2019-08-08T07:38:57","date_gmt":"2019-08-08T07:38:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9342"},"modified":"2021-04-22T16:25:06","modified_gmt":"2021-04-22T16:25:06","slug":"14-signs-of-keratitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-signs-of-keratitis\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Signs of Keratitis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The eyes are comprised of several elements, and each one is sensitive and can be at risk of being damaged or injured. The cornea, the clear, outer-most portion of the eyeball, plays a crucial role, as it covers and shields the iris and pupil; however, because of its location, it is the most susceptible to injury and illness. Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, is one of the most common afflictions of this part of the eye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two main types of keratitis: infectious and noninfectious. There are a variety of factors that can lead to the development of either type. Some of the most common causes include injuries, foreign objects entering the eye, bacterial and viral infections, and exposure to environmental allergens. Keratitis is fairly easy to diagnose, as the symptoms are rather obvious. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Pain and irritation. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most common and obvious sign of both infectious and noninfectious keratitis is pain and irritation<\/a>. Because this condition occurs when the cornea becomes inflamed, and because the eye is so sensitive, if this part of the eye is swollen, it will naturally lead to painful irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several other conditions that affect the eye that can also cause pain, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and styes; however, if you are experiencing any of the other symptoms that are listed below, along with pain and irritation, chances are you are suffering from some form of keratitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially, the pain is usually mild; however, as the condition worsens, the pain will also worsen and can become almost debilitating. If left untreated, keratitis can cause severe eye and vision problems, so this condition does need to be treated. A doctor will offer to provide you with effective treatment options. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

2. Redness.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common sign of both infectious and noninfectious keratitis is the redness <\/a>of the eye. In the beginning, the redness will be mild; almost pink in color. As the condition progresses, however, the redness will become more pronounced; it may look as if your eye is bloodshot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reddening of the eye can be a sign of several other ailments, including pink eye, or a simple irritation; but, if you have noticed that one or both of your eyes is\/are red in color, and you are experiencing any of the other symptoms listed here, then you should make an appointment with your health care provider as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infectious and noninfectious keratitis can lead to severe and long-lasting eye and vision problems if the condition is not treated properly. Home remedies, such as eye drops, may help to relieve the redness; however, they will not treat the underlying cause. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

3. Tearing and weeping.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tearing is the eye\u2019s natural way of cleansing itself; it helps to flush out any contaminants that have entered the eye, such as dirt and debris. At times, you may notice that your eyes produce more tears than others; for example, when smoke gets in your eyes or when you are exposed to something you are allergic to. However, once the irritant <\/a>is no longer present, the tearing should subside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your eyes are tearing on a constant basis and they seem as if they are \u201cweepy\u201d, and if you notice any other symptoms that have been mentioned on this list, there is a good chance that you could be suffering from keratitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make an appointment with your eye doctor or general health care provider as soon as possible for a complete assessment, as this condition needs to be diagnosed and treated properly.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

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

Patients who are afflicted with keratitis <\/a>often report that their eyes are more sensitive to light than usual; even exposure to low levels of light can be painful. The cornea, the part of the eye that is affected by keratitis, covers the iris and pupil; all three elements play an important part in vision, as they help to filter light, which allows your eye to focus so that you can see properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the cornea is inflamed, however, the eye cannot effectively filter out the light; as such, more light may be entering your eye, which can lead to light sensitivity. If your levels of light that don\u2019t usually irritate your eyes suddenly seem blinding \u2013 especially if any other symptoms mentioned here are present \u2013 keratitis could be to blame.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not dismiss this symptom; it is important that you have your eyes assessed to avoid serious problems. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

5. Headaches.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may not associate headaches <\/a>with eye problems, but, believe it or not, headaches are commonly associated with issues of the eyes. When your eyes are damaged, they cannot effectively filter out light. When too much light enters your eyes, your natural reaction is to squint, and excessive squinting can lead to headaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, if you are suffering from frequent headaches, especially if those headaches are associated with increased light sensitivity, pain and irritation, redness, and excessive tearing, there is a very good chance that you are suffering from keratitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, it is extremely important that you schedule an appointment with your eye doctor of primary care physician for a thorough assessment. If keratitis goes undiagnosed and it is not treated properly, it can lead to lasting consequences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over-the-counter pain relievers may help to ease your headaches, but they will persist if the condition is properly not treated. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

6. Blurry vision.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blurred vision<\/a> is another symptom that is commonly associated with both infectious and noninfectious keratitis. As previously stated, the cornea plays a key role in vision, as it covers the iris and the pupil, which also play vital roles in sight. If your cornea is inflamed, it stands to reason then, that your vision would be blurry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cornea not only protects the iris and pupil, but it also filters out the light; when light passes through the eye, this dome-shaped lens refracts or bends it, which helps your eye focus on things that are far away and close up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the cornea becomes damaged by an infection, such as keratitis, it can disrupt vision, making things appear blurry. Therefore, if you are suffering from keratitis, there is a very good chance that your vision will become blurred. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

7. Feeling like something is in your eye.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When your cornea <\/a>becomes inflamed, as it does with keratitis, it can feel as if something is stuck inside your eye. The cornea, as discussed, is the clear lens that covers and protects the iris and pupil. When it is enlarged as a result of swelling, it presses on the eyelid, which can make it feel as if something foreign is trapped within the eye. Even when the eyelid is open, however, it can feel like something is stuck in your eye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keratitis is often caused by an injury, such as a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the cornea) or a corneal laceration (a cut on the cornea), which can create the sensation that something is trapped inside of your eye. If it feels like something is in it \u2013 especially if you are experiencing other symptoms listed here \u2013 keratitis could be the cause. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

8. Trouble opening your eye(s).<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A symptom <\/a>that patients who are afflicted with infectious and noninfectious keratitis reports are difficulty opening the eye(s). There are a number of reasons why this can occur. Keeping the eye closed is a natural response to light sensitivity, as exposure to light can increase the amount of pain that you are experiencing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the fact that this condition causes pain may make it difficult to open your eye, as you may instinctively keep it shut in an attempt to reduce the discomfort. Furthermore, when something is stuck in your eye, the automatic reaction is to keep your eye shut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these factors combined can make it difficult to open your eyes when you\u2019re suffering from keratitis. If you are struggling to open your eye and you notice any of the other signs of keratitis on this list, schedule an appointment with your doctor.  
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>