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.
