Keratitis of the eye is an inflammation of the cornea, manifested in the form of lacrimation, photophobia, blepharospasm. May have an infectious and traumatic origin. There are several complications of keratitis, which manifest themselves in the form of a sharp decrease in vision resulting from clouding of the cornea.
Disease feature
Keratitis of the eye, the photo of which clearly demonstrates the peculiarity of the disease, is characterized by the presence of inflammation in the cornea, which may be of a viral or bacterial origin. Fungal keratitis is very rare. This is a fairly serious disease that requires the provision of competent and timely medical care. If the patient turns to the doctor late, then corneal suppuration and death of the organ of vision may be observed.
Keratitis of the eye, the photo of which allows to determine what kind of disease it is, clinically looks like a violation of the transparency of the cornea. The inflammatory process is based on an infiltrate consisting of various cells. An important role in the diagnosis is played by the depth of its location. Superficial infiltrates dissolve very quickly on their own, but deep ones leave severe scarring and severe opacification.
What are the types of keratitis
Many suffer from a wide variety of diseases of the organs of vision. One of the most complex and dangerous is considered to be an eye disease keratitis, which can occur in a variety of forms, namely:
- filamentous;
- acanthamoebic;
- fungal;
- viral.
The filamentous type of disease occurs due to insufficient activity of the lacrimal glands. It mainly develops against the background of dry eye syndrome. The cornea and conjunctivitis dry out, as a result of which an inflammatory-dystrophic process occurs, and visual acuity decreases. In especially severe cases, outward shells of the eye may be observed.
Fungal keratitis of the eye occurs when parasitizing various types of fungi. The acanthamoebic type of the disease occurs when amoeba is present in the body. Infection can occur when bathing in fresh water in contact lenses, flushing them with water and other liquids not intended for this procedure. This form is characterized by sluggish flow.
Viral keratitis of the eye develops against the background of a viral infection, in particular, such as mumps, measles, chickenpox and many other diseases. This form is characterized by the formation of rashes that look like bubbles, swelling and redness of the eyes. The cornea becomes cloudy and sores may form on it. Basically, this disease occurs in children and adolescents.
Causes of occurrence
Eye disease keratitis, depending on the cause of the occurrence, can be traumatic and infectious. The traumatic type occurs as a result of damage to the cornea by foreign bodies, improperly growing eyelashes. Infectious appearance occurs when pathogens enter the eye membrane.
In addition, there can also be many other causes of the pathological process, in particular, such as:
- prolonged use of contact lenses and improper care;
- lack of vitamins in the body;
- inflammatory processes;
- metabolic disorders;
- the presence of worms in the body;
- autoimmune diseases;
- systemic infections;
- eye irritation.
Corneal keratitis can occur in the presence of allergies. In people prone to allergic reactions, various kinds of diseases of the organs of vision can occur. The cause of the pathological process in this case is the exposure to allergens.
Herpetic keratitis of the eye is quite often found, which develops as a result of the penetration of the herpes simplex virus into the body, which remains in it for life. For a long time, it may not manifest itself at all and begins to become active only when exposed to provoking factors, in particular, when the immune system is weakened. After hypothermia, it is enough to transfer the herpes virus on the lips, as it spreads to the cornea of the eye.
Signs and Symptoms
Regardless of the form of the disease, the symptoms of keratitis of the eye have some similarities. First of all, the disease manifests itself in the form of the presence of strong painful sensations. The degree of their severity largely depends on the severity and form of the pathological process. Among the characteristic signs, photophobia should be highlighted, and the patient also feels the presence of a foreign body in the eye.
Blepharospasm may also be observed, in which the eyelids themselves close. This occurs as a result of stimulation of trigeminal receptors. In the presence of keratitis, blurred vision necessarily occurs. The picture has fuzzy edges and appears somewhat blurry. Headaches that are most pronounced on the side of the diseased eye can also join.
Accumulation and secretion of pus may be observed. With a sluggish and chronic inflammatory process, a vascular network appears in the cornea of the eye. Bacterial keratitis is a very serious disease, as it can lead to temporary disability or even blindness. In addition to general signs, during the examination, infiltrate and mucopurulent contents are provoked, provoked by conjunctivitis.
The bacterial form progresses very quickly, and after the breakdown of the infiltrate, an ulcer forms. A corneal defect consists of two parts, one of which heals very quickly, leaving scars, and the other progresses more and more, covering new areas.
The most common type is considered to be viral keratitis of the eye, which leads to a significant decrease in the sensitivity of the cornea. It affects the surface layer, where bubbles form, which, bursting, turn into erosion, reminiscent in shape of a tree branch.
Non-infectious forms of keratitis have practically no symptoms, therefore, they are detected completely by accident. They are determined by the characteristic bloating in the center of the cornea, as well as the presence of inflammation and erosion. At the site of the injury, a purulent infiltrate is formed after 2-4 days, due to the infection.
If the first signs of the disease occur, you should definitely consult a doctor for diagnosis and, if necessary, subsequent comprehensive treatment.
Diagnostics
A doctor can make a diagnosis of “keratitis of the eye,” only after seeing the patient. Such people mostly wear dark glasses or cover their eyes with a handkerchief, as their organs of vision react very painfully to lighting.
First of all, the doctor collects a complete history to have an idea about the course of the disease. After that, he conducts an external examination and palpates suspicious areas if possible. In addition, one of the diagnostic methods is ophthalmoscopy, during which the eye area and adnexa are examined. The level of fundus reflexes is assessed.
If there is a suspicion of an endogenous disease, it is necessary to examine the patient for the presence of concomitant pathologies. Microscopy of eye scraping and determination of the causative agent of the disease are also indicated. Allows you to assess the state of the structure of the anterior chamber of the eye biomicroscopy.
After conducting a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease and the form of the pathological process.
Treatment feature
Treatment of keratitis of the eye is aimed at eliminating the existing symptoms and the causes of the pathological process. That is why therapy should be carried out comprehensively. If the disease is not deep and proceeds without complications, then the treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. Acute keratitis of the eye is treated exclusively in a hospital.
The bacterial form of the pathological process implies the intake of antibiotics in an external way. It can be an erythromycin or tetracycline ointment. In especially neglected cases, the solution “Monomycin”, “Kanamycin”, “Neomycin” can be administered under the conjunctiva. Antibacterial agents can be administered orally or intramuscularly. If keratitis has a fungal form, then antifungal drugs are prescribed.
An ophthalmologist can prescribe antimicrobial, disinfectant or anti-inflammatory drops, such as Phloxal, Torbex, Oftavix, Naklof. If the integrity of the epithelium is not violated, then additional hormonal drops can be prescribed, in particular, such as Maxidex or Desmetazone.
Quite often, during the course of this disease, adhesions can form, therefore, drugs are prescribed that contribute to the expansion of the pupil. With severe infection, the doctor may prescribe a lacrimal canal washing with special antibacterial drugs.
Be sure to additionally apply physiotherapeutic measures, in particular, such as:
- phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis.
Sometimes a doctor may recommend the use of biogenic stimulants. In case of herpetic lesion, treatment of keratitis of the eyes is carried out by applying Zovirax ointment and Acyclovir. The intake of vitamin complexes is indicated for absolutely any form of the pathological process. In the most advanced cases, the use of surgical intervention is indicated. Among the most popular methods, cryotherapy, keratoplasty, and laser coagulation should be distinguished. It is very important to adhere to proper nutrition and follow a special diet prescribed by the attending doctor.
The use of folk remedies
Treatment of keratitis with folk remedies can be combined with traditional methods of therapy. Sea buckthorn oil will help eliminate photophobia and pain. In the early days of the course of the disease, you need to instill 1-2 drops every hour, and then every 3 hours. Especially effective is the use of sea buckthorn oil in the traumatic form of keratitis.
Often, keratitis therapy is reduced to the use of special lotions. Basically, they are done 2-3 times a day for 1 hour. Previously, the place for the compress needs to be wiped. Lotions can be done with clay. To do this, apply a layer of clay about 2-3 cm thick on the napkin so that it does not crack. The mixture should be sufficiently thick and dense, without lumps.
The people appreciate the eye grass, which is called an upright euphorbia. Decoction is carried out by washing the eyes with 3-4 drops or making a compress. To do this, take 1 tsp. flowering glasses on 1 tbsp. water, bring to a boil, and then insist for 2-3 hours. In addition, the intake of this agent is shown.
Features of the course in children
Symptoms and treatment of eye keratitis in children can be very different, since the disease can occur due to the occurrence of a viral or bacterial lesion. The herpetic form occurs mainly in children under 5 years of age when exposed to the herpes virus, since the child's body does not have specific immunity. This disease is characterized by acute onset, redness, rashes on the skin and mucous membranes, swelling, and lacrimation.
Bacterial keratitis is characterized by the presence of a purulent ulcer on the cornea. The causative agent is coccal flora, which develops when a foreign body enters the eyes or in the case of microtrauma. A gray infiltrate forms in the center of the cornea, which eventually acquires a yellowish tint, characteristic of purulent discharge. The pathological process can develop very quickly and ends with the formation of an eyesore after the perforation of the cornea. In children, this form is quite rare.
It is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination and subsequent treatment of the disease. It is very important to carry out complex treatment in a timely manner to prevent complications.
Features of the course of the disease in animals
Very often keratitis can occur in the dog’s eyes. Among the main causes of the formation of this disease can be identified such as:
- microorganisms;
- avitaminosis;
- injury
- decreased immunity;
- deposition of melanin and increased pigmentation;
- genetic predisposition.
The risk group for this disease includes collies, Pekingese, pugs, bulldogs. Also quite often cats, especially Persian and British, can suffer from this disease.
Among the first signs of the onset of the disease, photophobia, lacrimation, clouding of the cornea and the presence of discharge from the eyes can be distinguished. The pathological process can spread to the surface layer and deeper tissues. If you do not show your pet to the vet in a timely manner, then the disease can lead to very serious complications, in particular, such as a thickening of the eyelid, corneal ulcer and many others. The treatment of the disease must be carried out by a qualified veterinarian. At home, you can wash your eyes with a solution of boric acid, instill antibacterial drops, for example, such as “Levomycetin”. In addition, the antibiotic ointment Tetracycline can be placed in the conjunctival sac.
Consequences of the disease
Keratitis can leave scars on the corneal layer of the eye, the presence of which significantly affects the level of visual acuity. That is why you need to visit an optometrist as soon as possible, immediately after the onset of the first signs of the disease. Complications largely depend on the nature of the inflammatory process, the area of its localization, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases.
Preventive actions
In order to avoid infection and maintain good health of the organs of vision, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures, which include:
- injury prevention;
- timely replacement of contact lenses;
- treatment of inflammatory processes of the eyes and viral infections;
- avoidance of contact with patients with infectious diseases.
In addition, it is worth remembering that timely access to a doctor significantly reduces the risk of complications.