Keratitis is a condition where the corneal part of the eye is going to be inflamed. The cornea's clear dome-shaped surface which you see in front of your eyes plays a vital role in focusing the light that enters the eye to the retina from there the image you see will be formed. In this case, when the cornea inflammation occurs that going to have a greater impact on your vision, the reason behind the keratitis may include the improper usage of contact lenses, infections, eye injury, or even dry eyes. The reason may be anything but it requires proper treatment, when it is left untreated it brings up further potential complications. Keep reading the article which will reveal the complications of untreated keratitis and why it is vital to seek prompt medical attention.
What is keratitis?
Before getting into the complications of keratitis if it is left untreated it is vital to know what keratitis means and what are all the causes of it. Keratitis can be classified into two main types:
- Infectious keratitis, this type keratitis is commonly caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic forms. In people with contact lenses infectious keratitis is more common, especially those who do not follow proper lens hygiene. Other risk factors include eye injuries, contaminated water exposure like swimming pools, and a weakened immune system.
- Non-infectious keratitis, this type of keratitis is caused by various factors like dry eyes, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, or an allergic reaction. When an individual is wearing contact lenses for longer terms there is a chance of getting non-infectious keratitis without proper cleaning.
Immediate symptoms of keratitis
Keratitis often presents with symptoms that should prompt immediate attention. These include:
- Redness in the eye
- Pain or discomfort in the eye
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurred or decreased vision
- A feeling of something being in the eye (foreign body sensation)
- Excessive tearing or discharge
If these symptoms are ignored, the condition can worsen and lead to serious complications that may cause long-term damage to the eye.
Complications of untreated keratitis
The general advice from an ophthalmologist is to treat any kind of eye condition in this case the keratitis requires additional care because if it is untreated it can lead to devastating consequences for the eye, leading to complications that may be difficult to treat or even irreversible. Here are some of the most serious complications:
Corneal ulceration
Corneal ulceration is a common complication of untreated keratitis. It is an open sore on the corneal layer of the eye that results from the progression of the infection or inflammation. This ulcer can become infected, leading to further damage to the corneal tissue. Corneal ulcers are extremely painful and can cause significant vision impairment. When the condition is untreated it can even create a hole in the cornea which is an emergency that requires immediate medical intervention to prevent blindness.
Scarring of the cornea
When the keratitis condition progresses it may develop corneal scaring which may block the light that gets inside the eye, it is considered to be one of the serious complications. It leads to blurry vision or vision loss. The extent of the scarring can vary, but in severe cases, it can cover a significant portion of the cornea, requiring surgical intervention such as a corneal transplant to restore vision.
Vision loss
In the case of untreated keratitis partial or complete vision loss may also be possible. This occurs when the inflammation or infection causes irreversible damage to the cornea, leading to severe scarring, thinning, or perforation. Vision loss from keratitis is a worse thing because it is often preventable with early treatment.
Increased risk of glaucoma
When the keratitis is left untreated it may also develop the chance of getting glaucoma. It is a condition where the optic nerve is damaged due to the increased pressure inside the eye. The inflammation from keratitis can block the drainage of fluid from the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure and the development of glaucoma.
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Keratitis even though a serious condition that could be treated and managed through prompt medical attention to prevent complications, when left untreated, keratitis can lead to severe complications as mentioned above. Remember while you are experiencing any of the abnormal symptoms reach the nearby branch of The Eye Foundation and get your eye examination for proper treatment.
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