Bacterial Keratitis

Bacterial keratitis is an infection of the cornea (the clear, round dome covering the eye's iris and pupil) that causes pain, reduced vision, light sensitivity and tearing or discharge from your eye.

Resulting from infection from contact lens use or from injury to the eye, bacterial keratitis usually develops very quickly, and if left untreated, can cause blindness.

Symptoms of bacterial keratitis may include:

•   Reduced vision;
•   Pain in the eye (often sudden);
•   Increased light sensitivity;
•   Tearing;
•   Excessive tearing or discharge from your eye.

If you experience any bacterial keratitis symptoms such as pain, reduced vision, light sensitivity and tearing or discharge from your eye, see your doctor immediately.

If you wear contact lenses, it is very important to safely handle, store and clean your lenses to reduce your risk of developing a keratitis infection. You can read more about how to take care of your contact lenses.

Bacterial keratitis is usually treated with antibiotic drops and may require multiple return visits to your ophthalmologist. Drops are usually put in frequently.

You can read the original article published on Geteyesmart.org.

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Schedule an eye exam with a 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore Independent Optometrist at any of our three locations in Florida.