What is Bacterial or Microbial Keratitis?

Bacterial keratitis (also known as Microbial Keratitis) is an infection of the eye's transparent outer covering (the cornea).

Causes

Bacterial keratitis is often related to the inappropriate use of contact lenses, or from eye injuries such as scratches to the cornea. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Staphylococcus Aureus are the 2 most common bacteria which cause bacterial keratitis.

Symptoms

Common bacterial keratitis symptoms include red eye, foreign object sensation (something in the eye), pain, light sensitivity, watery eyes, blurred vision, and difficulty keeping eyelids open. Usually one eye at a time becomes infected.

Diagnosis & Medical Treatment

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is important to have your eyes checked with a slitlamp examination as soon as possible. Many eye infections are minor but bacterial keratitis is a medical emergency. Treatment depends on a wide variety of factors and can involve a topical eye drop prescription. Left untreated bacterial keratitis can potentially result in permanent vision loss (blindness) from corneal scarring.  This can require a corneal transplant.