Keratitis Flashcards
What is keratitis?
Inflammation of the cornea, often associated with pain, redness, and vision changes.
What are the main types of keratitis?
Infectious (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic) and non-infectious (e.g., trauma, dry eye).
What are the symptoms of keratitis?
Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, photophobia, tearing, and discharge.
What are the common causes of bacterial keratitis?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
What are the common causes of viral keratitis?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
What is the most common cause of fungal keratitis?
Aspergillus and Fusarium species, often related to trauma with vegetative material.
What is the most common cause of parasitic keratitis?
Acanthamoeba, often linked to contact lens use.
What are the risk factors for keratitis?
Contact lens wear, eye trauma, immunosuppression, and prior ocular surface disease.
What is the hallmark sign of HSV keratitis?
Dendritic ulcers on the cornea seen with fluorescein staining.
What investigations are performed for suspected keratitis?
Corneal scraping for microbiology, fluorescein staining, and slit-lamp examination.
What is the role of fluorescein staining in keratitis?
It highlights corneal epithelial defects, such as ulcers or abrasions.
How is bacterial keratitis treated?
Intensive topical antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin).
How is viral keratitis treated?
Topical antiviral agents like aciclovir or ganciclovir; oral antivirals may also be needed.
How is fungal keratitis treated?
Topical antifungal agents, such as natamycin or voriconazole, and sometimes systemic antifungals.
How is parasitic keratitis treated?
Antiparasitic agents (e.g., polyhexamethylene biguanide) and prolonged therapy; surgical intervention may be required.
What is a corneal ulcer?
A localised infection of the cornea that can cause tissue loss and scarring.
What are the complications of untreated keratitis?
Corneal scarring, perforation, secondary glaucoma, and permanent vision loss.
What is neurotrophic keratitis?
A form of keratitis caused by reduced corneal sensation, often due to damage to the trigeminal nerve.
What is exposure keratitis?
Keratitis caused by incomplete eyelid closure, leading to corneal dryness and damage.
What is the role of cycloplegics in keratitis management?
To reduce pain caused by ciliary spasm in cases of severe keratitis.
What is the role of artificial tears in keratitis management?
To provide lubrication and promote healing in non-infectious keratitis.
What lifestyle modifications can prevent keratitis?
Proper contact lens hygiene, avoiding eye trauma, and managing dry eye syndrome.
What are the key findings in Acanthamoeba keratitis?
Severe pain, ring-shaped corneal infiltrates, and poor response to conventional treatment.
Why is prompt treatment important in keratitis?
Early treatment prevents complications such as corneal scarring and vision loss.
What is the role of corneal transplantation in keratitis?
Used in severe cases with corneal perforation or scarring to restore vision.
