Keratitis Treatment: A Complete Guide
Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea. In this, the cornea swells and becomes red.
There are mainly two types of Keratitis: non-infectious and infectious. They are also further divided into sub-types.
The treatment of Keratitis depends on its type.
Bacterial Keratitis is the most prevalent form of Keratitis. Approximately 25,000 Americans develop bacterial Keratitis annually.
Depending on the severity, the treatment can range from a lubricant eye drop to corneal surgery.
Read on to learn about the Keratitis treatment in detail.
Non-infectious Keratitis Treatment
Non-infectious Keratitis can be caused by minor injury or scratch to the surface of your cornea.
This type of Keratitis may not need medications because the injuries are not severe.
Mild non-infectious Keratitis
Non-infectious Keratitis, which is mild, can usually heal independently.
However, sometimes artificial tear drops may be recommended for them.
Severe non-infectious Keratitis
If the non-infectious Keratitis is severe and you face significant tearing and pain, it needs attention.
An eye patch can be recommended to protect it from causing severe infection. It will help in protecting the eye.
You can also get anti-inflammatory medications to aid in reducing Keratitis.
Treatment for Infectious Keratitis
As the name suggests, ‘infectious’ Keratitis is caused by different infections. It can be bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic.
The treatment for Keratitis depends on the source of the infection.
Bacterial Keratitis
Mostly, the first prescription for bacterial Keratitis is antibiotic eye drops.
You might be advised to take the drops four times a day in mild cases.
However, if the bacterial Keratitis is severe, the drop frequency can increase to every 30 minutes, even at night.
Sometimes, a doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics.
Fungal Keratitis
Fungal Keratitis is treated particularly by antifungal eye drops.
Your doctor can also prescribe oral antifungal medications to aid the healing process.
Sometimes antifungal medication can be directly injected into your eye.
However, all these treatments for fungal Keratitis can take months.
Viral Keratitis
To treat viral Keratitis, artificial tear drops, antiviral eye drops, and oral antiviral medications can be prescribed.
However, suppose antiviral treatments cannot eradicate the herpes simplex virus that caused your Keratitis. In that case, you will need to watch out for recurring infections.
Also, after your viral Keratitis almost clears up, your doctor may suggest steroid eye drops to reduce swelling.
Parasitic Keratitis
Early diagnosis is essential for treating amebic or parasitic Keratitis.
Antimicrobial eye drops and oral medications are suggested for the treatment.
Sometimes, this type of Keratitis can be antibiotic resistant. Thus, making it difficult to heal.
Your doctor may again look at your eyes for further treatment.
Cornea transplant
In a cornea transplant, the doctor replaces your cornea with a donor’s corneal tissue.
This surgery is recommended when you have advanced Keratitis. It happens when you don’t respond well to medication and scars appear on your cornea.
Cornea transplant mostly happens when you have Keratitis from a parasite named Acanthamoeba.
Takeaway
Keratitis is mainly of two types: non-infectious and infectious. The treatment of Keratitis depends upon its type and severity.
Most Keratitis is mild and heals on its own. Sometimes, lubricant eye drops may also be recommended.
However, in rare cases, Keratitis can also be severe. In this, a cornea transplant is suggested.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat Keratitis naturally?
Saline, a mixture of salt and water, can be used as a home remedy. It has an almost similar composition to teardrops, which is the eye’s natural way of cleansing itself. Also, it has antimicrobial properties.
How long does it take for Keratitis to heal?
Most Keratitis heals quickly, within one or two days. The pain will heal first, while the swelling and scars can take some time.
Can Keratitis heal on its own?
Mild cases of non-infectious Keratitis usually heal on their own. You may also be suggested to use artificial tear drops for quick recovery. For severe Keratitis cases, eye drops and oral medication are recommended.
What is the home remedy for Keratitis eye infection?
Saline water, cooled tea bags, warm and cold compresses, etc., are the most common home remedies for treating Keratitis eye infections. They are great for cleansing, soothing, and reducing eye swelling.
What is the first-line treatment for bacterial Keratitis?
Antibiotics, either as eye drops or oral medications, are recommended as the first-line treatment of bacterial Keratitis. Usually, the Keratitis disappears with antibiotics only.
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