Keratitis is an inflammation or infection of the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.
Keratitis can happen for many reasons. The following are some common causes of the condition:
Children are more likely to get keratitis if they wear contact lenses. Your child’s risk may be higher if he or she doesn’t clean the lenses well. Touching the lenses with dirty hands or putting the lenses on dirty surfaces may also increase your child’s risk.
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. The can include:
The symptoms of this health problem may be similar to symptoms of other conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Your child’s healthcare provider will ask you about your child’s health history. He or she will also give your child an exam.
In some cases, your child’s healthcare provider may take a sample of your child’s eye drainage. He or she will then test this sample. These results may tell the cause of the eye infection.
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
Your child’s healthcare provider may refer him or her to an ophthalmologist or optometrist. These are doctors with special training to diagnose treat eye problems.
This condition is a medical emergency. In severe cases, it may lead to blindness.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider: