Keratoconjunctivitis (Symptoms,Causes and Treatment)

The cornea and conjunctiva, the two outermost layers of the eye, become inflamed when someone has keratoconjunctivitis. It can spread easily and is frequently brought on by bacterial or viral diseases. Redness, itchiness, burning, tearing, and blurred vision are possible symptoms. If you think you may have keratoconjunctivitis, you should consult a doctor right once since, if untreated, it can have catastrophic consequences. In most circumstances, oral drugs may also be recommended, along with topical medications like eye drops or ointments.

This article covers the following topics :

Keratoconjunctivitis: What is it?

The transparent, protective outer layers of the eye, the conjunctiva and cornea, are both prone to inflammation, which is referred to as keratoconjunctivitis. The symptoms of this illness include redness, discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Keratoconjunctivitis can come in a variety of forms, including bacterial, allergic, viral, and large papillary conjunctivitis.

Viral keratoconjunctivitis, sometimes referred to as “pink eye,” is a common form of keratoconjunctivitis brought on by a virus. It is very contagious and can be transferred by touching contaminated objects or by coming into contact with an infected person’s ocular fluids. Redness, fluid discharge, itching, and light sensitivity are symptoms. Warm compresses, artificial tears, and antiviral eye drops are possible treatments.

Another type of keratoconjunctivitis brought on by a bacterial infection is bacterial keratoconjunctivitis. Direct contact with an infected individual can spread it, as can coming into contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Redness, a yellow or green discharge, and crusting of the eyelids are symptoms. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be used as a kind of treatment.

An allergic reaction to things like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites can result in a kind of keratoconjunctivitis called allergic keratoconjunctivitis. Redness, itchiness, and eye tears are symptoms. Avoiding the allergen, using fake tears, and taking antihistamines are all possible treatments.

A kind of keratoconjunctivitis called giant papillary conjunctivitis is frequently linked to the use of contact lenses. It is brought on by conjunctival irritation and the appearance of papillae, which are tiny lumps. Redness, itching, and mucous discharge are symptoms. A different brand of contact lens, eye medications to alleviate irritation, or temporarily stopping the use of contact lenses are all possible treatments.

Other, less frequent forms of keratoconjunctivitis include neurotrophic keratopathy, which results from injury to the nerves supplying the cornea, and exposure keratopathy, which is brought on by inadequate eyelid closure during sleeping or in patients with facial nerve loss.

Depending on the underlying reason, keratoconjunctivitis may be treated with prescription eye drops, artificial tears, warm compresses, or oral medicines. In some circumstances, surgical procedures like a corneal transplant may be required. If you encounter any keratoconjunctivitis symptoms, you should consult a doctor right away because untreated inflammation can cause permanent vision loss.

What kinds of keratoconjunctivitis are there?

Keratoconjunctivitis comes in a variety of forms, including:

1-Viral keratoconjunctivitis: A virus causes this type of keratoconjunctivitis, which is very contagious. It can be transmitted by coming in contact with tears, ocular discharge, or other bodily fluids from an infected person.

2-Bacterial keratoconjunctivitis: This kind of contagious keratoconjunctivitis is brought on by bacteria. It can spread by touching contaminated surfaces or coming into contact with an infected person’s discharge from the eyes.

3-Allergic keratoconjunctivitis: An allergic reaction to dust, pollen, or animal dander can result in this kind of conjunctivitis. It’s not spreadable.

4-Giant papillary conjunctivitis, a kind of keratoconjunctivitis brought on by the use of contact lenses, is frequently accompanied by protein buildup on the lenses. The eyes may become inflamed and irritated by it.

5-Chemical keratoconjunctivitis: This variety of keratoconjunctivitis is brought on by chemical exposure, such as that from cleaning supplies, solvents, or chlorine in swimming pools. Redness, burning, and irritation are possible side effects.

6-Photokeratitis: This form of keratoconjunctivitis is brought on by being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can be found in sunshine or tanning booths. Because it can happen after exposure to intense sunshine reflected off snow or water, it is frequently referred to as “snow blindness”.

7-Neurotrophic keratoconjunctivitis: This form of keratoconjunctivitis is brought on by harm to the nerve supply to the cornea, which can be brought on by conditions including diabetes, herpes zoster, or neurotrophic keratitis. Dry eyes, discomfort, and light sensitivity may result from it.

What distinguishes xerophthalmia from keratoconjunctivitis?

There are two distinct eye diseases: xerophthalmia and keratoconjunctivitis.

The cornea and conjunctiva, the transparent outer layers of the eye, become inflamed when someone has keratoconjunctivitis. It often results in redness, itching, tears, and sensitivity to light and can be brought on by a virus, bacteria, allergy, or irritant.

On the other hand, xerophthalmia is a disorder that results in dryness and irritation when the eyes do not produce enough tears. It is brought on by a vitamin A deficiency and most frequently occurs in underdeveloped nations where starvation is rampant. If neglected, xerophthalmia can result in corneal ulcers, night blindness, and blindness.

The symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis and xerophthalmia can be similar, but their underlying causes and recommended therapies differ.

The frequency of keratoconjunctivitis.

People of all ages, genders, and races can get keratoconjunctivitis, a common eye condition. Although it can affect people of various ages, children and young adults are the most frequently affected. According to estimates, up to 80% of people will get keratoconjunctivitis at some point in their lifetime. The prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis varies based on the demographic and the exact type of keratoconjunctivitis. In addition to people who wear contact lenses or have other underlying medical disorders, the condition is more prevalent in locations with dry, dusty, or polluted environments.

What keratoconjunctivitis symptoms and indicators are present?

Depending on the cause, keratoconjunctivitis signs and symptoms might include any or all of the following:

The eyes are red.

*Bloodshot or watery eyes

*Eye irritation or itchiness

*Fog of vision

*Light sensitivity

*Feeling of a foreign body in the eye

Release from the eye

*Conjunctival or eyelid swelling

*Eyelid crusting, especially in the morning

Keratoconjunctivitis can occasionally result in more serious symptoms like:

*Eye pain or surrounding pain

loss of vision

*Severe erythema or enlargement

*Eye discharge that resembles pus

*Fever or other infection-related symptoms

If you encounter any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to see a doctor.

Why does keratoconjunctivitis develop?

There are many different things that might cause keratoconjunctivitis, such as bacterial, viral, or allergic agents.

The same viruses that cause the common cold, such as adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella-zoster virus, also cause viral keratoconjunctivitis. It is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by coming into contact with respiratory secretions or tears from an infected individual.

Numerous bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenza, can cause bacterial keratoconjunctivitis. Furthermore, it is quite contagious and can be transmitted by coming into contact with an infected person’s ocular fluids.

An allergic reaction to a variety of things, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, as well as some drugs or cosmetics, can result in allergic keratoconjunctivitis. It can be triggered by environmental factors and is not communicable.

Other factors that contribute to keratoconjunctivitis include prolonged contact lens wear, dry eyes, and exposure to irritants or chemicals.

Non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis: What is it?

Non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis, often called allergic conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea brought on by an allergic response to certain things, like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or specific chemicals. People of all ages can have it, but those who have a history of allergies like asthma, hay fever, or eczema are more likely to get it.

Similar to infectious keratoconjunctivitis, non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis’s primary symptoms include:

*Age-related eye redness

* Tearful eyes

*Ocular scratchiness

*Ocular swelling

*Light sensitivity

*Fog of vision

Non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis can also result in a clear, watery discharge from the eye, as well as a feeling of grittiness or a foreign substance in the eye.

An allergic reaction to things like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or specific chemicals can result in non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis. These allergens cause inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea when they come into contact with the eye, which is caused by an immunological reaction.

A clinical examination by a healthcare professional, who will ask questions about the patient’s symptoms and medical history and search for indications of conjunctival and corneal inflammation, is the basis for the diagnosis of non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis.

Avoiding contact with the allergen, using artificial tears to lubricate the eyes, and using antihistamines or other medications to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms are all part of the treatment for non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis. To lessen swelling and itching, corticosteroid eye drops or ointments may occasionally be advised.

As a result of an allergic reaction to a given substance, non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis is an inflammatory disorder of the conjunctiva and cornea. A combination of avoiding the allergen, using artificial tears, and taking drugs can be used to treat this common ailment, which can result in redness, irritation, and watery eyes.

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis: What is it?

One variety of keratoconjunctivitis that is brought on by a bacterial or viral infection is infectious keratoconjunctivitis. It affects the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye and is extremely contagious.

The most prevalent kind of infectious keratoconjunctivitis, viral keratoconjunctivitis is brought on by an adenovirus. It is transmitted through direct contact with the virus-contaminated tears, ocular discharge, or inanimate objects.

A bacterial infection, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae, is what causes bacterial keratoconjunctivitis. Direct touch with an infected person’s tears, eye discharge, or contaminated objects can potentially spread it.

As a result of other viral infections such the varicella-zoster virus or herpes simplex virus, or as a secondary infection to another illness like the flu or a cold, infectious keratoconjunctivitis can also develop.

Exposure to contaminated materials or surfaces, intimate contact with infected people, and a compromised immune system are risk factors for infectious keratoconjunctivitis.

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis is characterized by redness, itchiness, tearing, discharge, and light sensitivity. Through an eye exam and the study of a sample of the discharge, the problem can be identified.

The etiology of the infection affects how the infection is treated for infectious keratoconjunctivitis. The symptoms of viral keratoconjunctivitis typically go away on their own in a few weeks, but doctors may recommend antiviral drugs or eye drops to treat the condition. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments can be used to treat bacterial keratoconjunctivitis.

It’s crucial to exercise proper hygiene to stop the spread of infectious keratoconjunctivitis, including frequent hand washing, refraining from touching the eyes, and not sharing personal objects like towels or eye makeup. Until the virus has cleared, those who are infected should keep their distance from other people and skip work or school.

How is keratoconjunctivitis determined to exist?

An ophthalmologist or optometrist can identify keratoconjunctivitis through a thorough eye examination. In addition to doing a visual acuity test and examining the eyes with various tools, the doctor will inquire about the patient’s medical history and current symptoms.

The doctor may take a sample of the ocular discharge in situations where infectious keratoconjunctivitis is suspected for laboratory testing. This can aid in determining the infection’s nature and help with therapy.

The doctor may order additional testing in situations of suspected non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis in order to rule out any underlying diseases that could be the source of the inflammation. This could involve imaging studies of the eye and its surroundings or blood testing.

If you think you might have keratoconjunctivitis, you should see a doctor right away because the condition could get worse if you don’t get treatment.

What is the remedy for keratoconjunctivitis?

Depending on the underlying reason, keratoconjunctivitis is treated differently. Artificial tears and lubricating ointments can be applied to treat the symptoms of dryness and irritation in non-infectious keratoconjunctivitis. To lessen inflammation, topical steroids may also be administered. If allergies are the culprit, mast cell stabilizers or antihistamine eye drops can aid with symptoms.

The type of pathogen causing the infection will determine the best course of treatment for infectious keratoconjunctivitis. Antibiotics are frequently used to treat bacterial infections, although antiviral drugs may also be necessary for viral infections. Corticosteroids may be administered in some circumstances to lessen inflammation brought on by the infection.

An rigorous course of treatment, such as the use of immunosuppressive medications or surgery, may be required in severe cases of keratoconjunctivitis.

It is crucial to highlight that using over-the-counter eye drops or other pharmaceuticals for self-treatment is not advised because they can make symptoms worse or have unintended side effects. To ensure that keratoconjunctivitis is properly diagnosed and treated, speak with a healthcare expert.

What can I do to lower my chance of getting keratoconjunctivitis?

The following actions can lower your risk of getting keratoconjunctivitis:

1-Frequently wash your hands: Washing your hands can help stop the spread of germs and viruses that can lead to keratoconjunctivitis.

2-Don’t touch your eyes: Touching your eyes with your hands can spread bacteria and viruses into your eyes.

3-Use protective eyewear to keep irritants and chemicals that can cause keratoconjunctivitis out of your eyes if you are exposed to them.

4-Exercise proper hygiene: Wash your face, use fresh towels, and refrain from sharing personal stuff like towels and cosmetics.

5-Take pauses from screens: If you operate on a computer or other electronic device for extended periods of time, take frequent rests to lessen eye strain.

6-Keep your eyes moist: Keratoconjunctivitis risk is increased by dry eyes. To keep your eyes moist, use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears.

7. Seek medical care: If you encounter keratoconjunctivitis symptoms, visit a doctor right away to stop the condition from getting worse.

When I have keratoconjunctivitis, what can I anticipate?

Depending on the underlying reason and the degree of the condition, the symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis can be minor to severe. If left untreated, severe cases might result in vision loss, whereas mild cases may resolve on their own.

The majority of persons with keratoconjunctivitis heal completely and have no long-term problems after receiving treatment. However, some persons may suffer from corneal scarring or other damage that might impair vision. Complications like glaucoma or cataracts might occasionally arise.

If you encounter any keratoconjunctivitis symptoms, you should consult a doctor right once because rapid diagnosis and treatment can help avoid problems and hasten healing.

When should I visit my doctor to discuss keratoconjunctivitis?

If you suffer any keratoconjunctivitis symptoms, such as eye redness, irritation, discharge, or vision abnormalities, you should consult a healthcare professional. If you think you could have infectious keratoconjunctivitis, you should visit a doctor right once since it can spread quickly and needs to be treated to avoid consequences. You may also want to talk to your healthcare professional if you are suffering an aggravation of symptoms from a pre-existing eye problem, such as dry eye syndrome or allergies.