Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the transparent part of the eye.
The most common causes are of infectious origin (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic). Risk factors include excessive use of contact lenses, failure to follow recommended hygienic therapeutic instructions, use of ocular corticosteroids, changes in the immune system, etc.
It usually causes severe eye pain, foreign body sensation, redness of the eye, tearing, abnormal intolerance to light due to the discomfort or pain it causes, and loss of vision.
Diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical history, a thorough ophthalmological examination and cultures of the infected area.
Infectious keratitis can progress rapidly and usually requires urgent antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral therapy to eliminate the pathogen.
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