Keratitis Flashcards
What does keratitis describe?
Inflammation of the cornea
How does microbial keratitis differ from conjunctivitis?
It is potentially sight threatening and should be urgently evaluated and treated
What is the typical bacterial cause of keratitis?
Staphylococcus aureus
Which bacteria is commonly associated with contact lens wearers?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
What accounts for around 5% of microbial keratitis cases?
Acanthamoebic keratitis
What environmental exposure increases the incidence of acanthamoebic keratitis?
Exposure to soil or contaminated water
What symptom is classically out of proportion to the findings in keratitis?
Pain
Name a viral cause of keratitis.
Herpes simplex keratitis
What is photokeratitis?
A type of keratitis caused by environmental factors, e.g. welder’s arc eye
What are common clinical features of keratitis?
Red eye, pain, erythema, photophobia, gritty sensation, hypopyon
What is hypopyon?
A collection of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye
Who should be referred for evaluation in cases of painful red eye?
Contact lens wearers
What is typically required for an accurate diagnosis of microbial keratitis?
A slit-lamp examination
What is the first-line treatment for microbial keratitis?
Topical antibiotics, typically quinolones
What should contact lens wearers do until symptoms of keratitis have resolved?
Stop using contact lenses
