Keratitis

A term used that refers to a wide variety of corneal irritations, infections and inflammations. The cornea is the transparent membrane that covers the colored part and pupil of the eyes. Corneal ulcers are commonly caused by bacterial or fungal invasions following superficial corneal abrasions; among the common infectious agents.

Kinds of Keratisis :

·    Bacterial keratitis
·    Fungal keratitis
·    Peripheral ulcerative keratitis
·    Superficial punctate keratitis
·    Acanthamoeba keratitis
·    Photokeratitis
·    Interstitial keratitis

Causes

Keratitis has many types and occurs in both children and adults. Certain conditions can allow an infection to occur. For example, a scratch can leave the cornea open to infection. Dry eye can also decrease the cornea’s protective mechanisms.

Other causes of Keratitis:

·    bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
·    exposure to bright lights
·    foreign objects that injured the eye
·    sensitivity or allergic reactions to eye make-ups
·    dry eyes resulting from disorders of the eyelid.
·    vitamin A deficiency

Symptoms

This infection is generally begins with inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid and the portion of the eyeball that comes into contact with it. Usually occurs in one eye. Infections are characterized by a pattern of lesions that resemble the veins of a leaf.

Frequency of occurrence can be brought on by stress, fatigue, or ultraviolet light (UV) exposure.

Other symptoms includes:

·    tearing
·    pain
·    sensitivity to light
·    inflammation of the eyelid
·    decrease in vision
·    redness

Treatment

Hot and Cold Compress:
Use clean cloth or cotton swab. Use only boiled or purified water to wet the cloth and place this on the closed eye. Warm compress helps to reduce discomfort, while a cold compress helps in reducing itchiness and inflammation.

Turmeric:
Mix I teaspoon of turmeric powder with two cups of purified water, use as eye drops apply two to three times a day.

Prevention

Wash hands frequently
Take Vitamin A supplement Always clean your contact lenses; use sterile lens cleaning and disinfecting solutions.
Avoid using tap water in cleaning contact lenses.
Avoid touching the eyes if unnecessary