HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING HAS ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT KERATITIS.

What is keratitis and what causes it?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the outermost part of the eye that covers the pupil and iris (the colored ring around the pupil). The most common causes of keratitis are infection and injury. Of infectious causes, viral infections top the list. Bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections also can cause keratitis. An infectious keratitis can happen after an injury to the cornea. But an injury can inflame the cornea without a secondary infection occurring.

What are the ways to prevent keratitis?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

The best way to prevent keratitis is to avoid eye injury by wearing sunglasses and appropriate eye gear as needed. If you have a cold sore, do not put your fingers to your eyes, because that could spread the infection. Routine contact lens hygiene, a balanced diet and moisturizing eye drops may help prevent other causes of keratitis.

→ Learn more about keratitis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to keratitis.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.

2024-04-16T15:15:17Z dg43tfdfdgfd