You thought the worst part of your eyes was not being able to see without contacts. Those yearly checkups go by without a hitch, and your prescription is even stabilizing. That’s awesome, and we couldn’t be happier for you and those well-cared for eyes. Unfortunately, that is exactly when people may start to get a little lazy with their routine, risking eye infection due to hygienic shortcuts. No matter how good you think you are at keeping your eyes clean and healthy, you may experience a little bad luck like a bout of Keratitis. Keep reading to learn about this troublesome infection, and how you can avoid Keratitis.
What is Keratitis?
Keratitis is the name for inflammation of the cornea, which is the clear part of your eye above your pupil and iris. It can occur when the cornea is damaged due to injury, or if bacteria or viruses enter the eye via untreated water (rivers, oceans, and lakes, for example), unclean makeup, or even contact lens ephemera (like contact lenses, cases, or even contact solution). Keratitis is a serious eye condition that can sometimes lead to permanent eye damage and even blindness in severe cases.
Look for the following symptoms to see if you have Keratitis:
- Painful or tender eyes
- Redness in the eyes
- Sensitive eyes when in the sun or under bright lights
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty opening your eyes completely
How do you treat Keratitis?
Depending on the type of Keratitis, your doctor may recommend that you try an ointment or medicated eye drops. Antibiotics or antiviral eye drops may also be recommended to fight off the infection.
Understand that while you are treating Keratitis, you will not be able to wear your contacts, especially if your eye is injured. Having glasses as a backup option is very important, and something we recommend in cases of people with higher prescriptions. Imagine not being able to wear your contacts for five full days, but not being able to see that whole time!
If you feel you may have something wrong with your eye or eyes, don’t delay. Call us today at (701) 235-5200 to schedule a consultation. Mention your symptoms to ensure we get you in for a visit as soon as possible to avoid complications with Keratitis.