Can recurrent keratitis be cured?

Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Recurrent episodes of keratitis are incurable.

If keratitis is caused by a viral infection, it usually leads to symptoms such as red eyes, eye pain, photophobia, and tearing. After the inflammation subsides with antiviral medication treatment, the virus will hide within the nerve fibers of the corneal tissue. When the body's immune system is weakened, during a cold, or when fatigued, the virus can replicate again, causing a recurrence of keratitis.

Therefore, to reduce recurrent episodes of keratitis, patients should focus on regular physical exercise to strengthen their constitution, maintain sufficient sleep, and avoid catching colds. These actions can enhance the body's immunity, effectively reducing the frequency of keratitis attacks, and thus protect eye health.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Keratitis can be divided into several stages according to pathological changes.

Keratitis can be divided into four stages according to pathological changes: the infiltration stage, the ulceration stage, the ulcer recession stage, and the healing stage. The condition of the cornea differs at each stage, and treatment must be administered accordingly. Treatments include anti-inflammatory eye drops, antiviral eye drops, and eye ointment therapy. When necessary, treatment can involve the use of a corneal bandage contact lens. If it reaches the healing stage, such as when scars form in the anterior elastic layer and the stromal layer, resulting in corneal opacity, nebula, and leukoma, this can affect vision and regular follow-ups may be required.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of neonatal keratitis

After a newborn develops keratitis, symptoms such as eye discomfort, tearing, increased tear secretion, and congestion may occur. If the cornea is infected due to disease or trauma, the inflammation of the cornea will inevitably affect the vision to varying degrees, especially if the inflammation invades the pupil area, which is more severe. After the ulcer heals, the resulting corneal scar not only obstructs the entry of light into the eye but also causes changes in the curvature and refractive index of the corneal surface, affecting vision. Generally, for newborns, the symptoms are caused by non-severe illnesses, so they are usually mild, mostly involving tearing or even secretion. In such cases, eye medications should be used early for treatment. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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How long will it take for photophobia from keratitis to recover?

Keratitis presents with symptoms of photophobia and generally recovers about two weeks after treatment. Keratitis is a common ophthalmic disease caused by neglect of eye hygiene or external eye injuries, leading to infection in the sclera of the eye. The main symptoms include conjunctival congestion, redness, pain, foreign body sensation, photophobia, tearing, and decreased vision. It is necessary to promptly treat with antibiotic eye drops to eliminate the infection and alleviate the symptoms mentioned. Commonly used medications include levofloxacin hydrochloride eye drops, tobramycin eye drops, and moxifloxacin eye drops. During the treatment period, patients must pay attention to eye hygiene and avoid dirty water entering the eyes to prevent worsening of the infection.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can erythromycin ointment be used for keratitis?

Keratitis can be treated with erythromycin eye ointment, but it should be used at night, not during the day. Keratitis involves inflammation of the cornea, and can be classified into bacterial keratitis, viral keratitis, fungal keratitis, corneal ulcers, and corneal perforation. If not treated promptly, it can severely affect vision. After the onset of keratitis, it is important to properly use eye drops and ointment for treatment. Regular rest and a light diet should be maintained. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, do not stay up late, use your eyes correctly, do not rub your eyes with dirty hands, have regular check-ups, and monitor your vision.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Itchy eye corners conjunctivitis or keratitis

Itchy inner corners of the eyes are generally caused by medial or lateral canthal inflammation, mainly due to allergies or allergic rhinitis, or physical and chemical irritants. It is not conjunctivitis or keratitis. Conjunctivitis is characterized by the whitening of the eyeball turning red, photophobia, tearing, increased secretion, foreign body sensation, and burning sensation; Keratitis involves diseases of the pupil, primarily based on conjunctivitis but with more pronounced photophobia, mainly affecting vision severely. If keratitis is not treated actively, it can lead to a severe decline in vision, even blindness. Therefore, for these conditions, it is advised to first visit an ophthalmology outpatient clinic for a thorough examination and active treatment.