Inflamed cornea not from contact lenses (keratitis)

Overview

Herpes keratitis can come back and scar the cornea.

Other causes include injury, dry eye, and autoimmune disease.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Painful red eye
• Painful red eye with light sensitivity
• Red eye or eye discharge

Less common

• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision

When to get medical care

Causes

Infection, injury.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: water on contact lenses (tap water, swimming, or hot tubs).
• Don't share towels, hats, combs, or bedding while it's being treated.

Who is more likely to get it

• People with eye injuries: Higher risk
• People with cold sores: Herpes can infect the eye

Possible complications

• Vision loss or blindness: From scarring

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Eye exam:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Don't rub

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Don't touch eyes with cold sores

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until 2 days after vomiting and diarrhea stop, especially if you work with food, children, or patients.
• Wash hands well after using the toilet.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with past herpes eye infection: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment protects vision.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Inflamed cornea not from contact lenses (keratitis)