Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea that can happen after infection, injury, disease, or overwearing of contact lenses. Infectious keratitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Patients will be bothered by pain and red eyes. It is important to treat the condition quickly before any vision complications occur.
A microorganism can access a damaged cornea through a number of scenarios, including injury, contaminated contact lenses, or exposure to contaminated water. Bacteria and viruses, including herpes and gonorrhea, can also cause keratitis. People who use extended-wear contacts or who have reduced immunity are at higher risk. Using corticosteroid eyedrops or suffering from dry eye syndrome can also put a person at increased risk of developing keratitis.
Redness, pain, and excessive tears are common symptoms of keratitis. Patients may also experience discharge, difficulty opening the eyelid, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. It may feel as if there is something in the eye. If you experience these symptoms, schedule a visit with your Cizik Eye Clinic ophthalmologist.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and medical history. Keratitis will be diagnosed after an exam that includes penlight slit-lamp exams. A special stain may be used to detect damage, and a vision exam will also be conducted to see if any vision loss has occurred. Your doctor may send tear samples and cornea tissue to a lab for analysis.
Artificial tear eye drops may be the only treatment needed for some forms of keratitis. Antibiotic eyedrops may be needed to treat other forms of keratitis. If it does not respond to treatment, a corneal Proper hygiene, particularly contact lens hygiene, is key to preventing keratitis.
The Cizik Eye Clinic opened in 2007 and is housed in Memorial Hermann Plaza at 6400 Fannin Street. It includes dozens of exam areas, multiple operating rooms, and laser suites equipped with the most sophisticated equipment available for patient care.
People travel from across the country and the world for treatment at the Cizik Eye Clinic, in part because our affiliation with the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth provides unmatched resources and expertise. Our friendly staff works diligently to make your visit pleasant and efficient, as we maximize patient flow through everything from routine eye exams to the most advanced eye surgeries.
Our physicians are faculty members at McGovern Medical School and are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or are board eligible. At the Cizik Eye Clinic, we understand that the eye is a small part of a whole patient who deserves top-notch, comprehensive care in a cutting-edge facility.
At Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, we offer patients access to highly specialized eye and vision care. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-9400, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.