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What are the symptoms of keratitis?

Jun 29, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen You
Introduction
Keratitis is characterized by a foreign-body sensation, excessive tearing, photophobia, and severe pain—often presenting as sudden-onset ocular pain—along with conjunctival edema and circumcorneal injection. In more severe cases, inflammation may involve the iris, significantly impairing vision and causing rapid visual deterioration. If the condition worsens further, it may lead to blindness, accompanied by intensified ocular pain, increased tearing, blurred vision, and periorbital erythema and swelling.

The eyes, as vital organs of the human body, play an indispensable role in daily life. When some individuals are exposed to external stimuli—such as trauma or bacterial infection—their eyes may become red, swollen, and painful. Upon medical consultation, they are often diagnosed with keratitis. However, in clinical practice, keratitis encompasses numerous subtypes, each presenting with distinct symptoms. So, what are the symptoms of keratitis?

What Are the Symptoms of Keratitis?

Keratitis commonly causes a foreign-body sensation, excessive tearing, photophobia (light sensitivity), and severe, often sudden-onset ocular pain. Additional signs include conjunctival edema and circumcorneal (limbal) conjunctival hyperemia. In more advanced cases, inflammation may involve the iris and significantly impair vision, leading to rapid visual deterioration. In severe instances, blindness may occur, accompanied by intensified ocular pain, increased tearing, blurred vision, and periorbital swelling. Clinical findings may include conjunctival edema and hyperemia, generalized reduction in corneal transparency, and localized areas exhibiting a ground-glass appearance. Keratitis typically requires prolonged treatment. When corneal ulcers develop, affected areas of the cornea may appear grayish-white. A central depression may be observed, with surrounding anterior chamber flare; however, adjacent corneal tissue may remain transparent.

Keratitis caused by bacterial infection has an acute onset, with prominent ocular irritation symptoms and increased production of thick, viscous ocular discharge. The disease progresses rapidly. Most patients have a history of corneal injury—often from plant material—or underlying immunosuppression due to chronic corticosteroid or antibiotic use. In contrast, viral keratitis—commonly caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV)—has a more insidious onset. Ocular irritation is mild or even absent, and patients may be asymptomatic initially; however, this form carries a high risk of vision loss. Ocular discharge is minimal and typically serous or mucoid. Following primary infection, the virus remains latent within the host and reactivates when systemic immunity declines.

Patients with keratitis are advised to consume protein-rich foods such as lean meat, poultry, organ meats, fish, shrimp, milk, eggs, and legumes. Proteins constitute the primary structural component of cells and are essential for corneal tissue repair and regeneration. We hope this information proves helpful.

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What is the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis for keratitis called?
Symptoms occur frequently and are severe, with persistent discomfort such as dryness, foreign body sensation, photophobia, and excessive tearing during daily visual activities. Blurred vision and ocular burning pain may even develop, making simple tasks like reading or viewing screens extremely difficult to complete. Symptoms do not improve with rest and severely disrupt normal daily life. Structural damage to the ocular surface is often present, and long-term, severe dry eye can lead to corneal epithelial defects and corneal inflammation.
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Dr. Sun Lianqing
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What causes recurrent episodes of keratitis, and how should it be managed?
In general, recurrent keratitis may be caused by excessive eye strain, insufficient tear secretion, bacterial keratitis, viral keratitis, or corneal ulcers such as Mooren's ulcer. It is important to develop good daily eye care habits, avoid rubbing the eyes with hands, wear protective goggles while swimming to prevent contaminated water from entering the eyes, and have regular eye examinations. Seek prompt medical attention if any discomfort occurs.
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Dr. Wang Lei
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Can people with keratitis watch TV?
In general, whether patients with keratitis can watch television depends on the severity of their condition and the stage of the disease. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Maintain good eye hygiene, avoid touching the eyes with hands, and prevent bacterial reinfection. In terms of diet, consume more foods rich in vitamin A and protein to provide necessary nutrients for corneal repair.
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Dr. Wang Lei
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Is keratitis considered an ocular fundus disease?
Keratitis is not a fundus disease; the two conditions differ fundamentally in terms of affected anatomical sites and must be clearly distinguished for targeted management. In daily life, one should maintain good eye hygiene, avoid touching the eyes with dirty hands, and prevent foreign bodies from entering the eye and causing injury. When engaging in outdoor activities, wearing protective eyewear can help reduce irritation from ultraviolet radiation and windblown sand.
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Dr. Wang Lei
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Can a cold compress be used for keratitis?
In general, whether patients with keratitis can use ice packs should be determined based on the specific condition and doctor's advice. Keep the eyes clean and dry, avoid rubbing the eyes with dirty hands to prevent bacterial infection. Maintain a light diet and consume more foods rich in vitamin A to provide nutrients for corneal repair. Ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late or overusing the eyes.
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Dr. Wang Lei
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Can people with keratitis eat eggs?
In general, patients with keratitis can eat eggs, as eggs provide nutrients that support recovery. However, eggs should be avoided if the patient is allergic to them or has severe gastrointestinal discomfort. A light diet is recommended, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, while increasing intake of vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits such as spinach and carrots. Maintain good eye hygiene, avoid rubbing the eyes, and ensure adequate rest.
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Dr. Wang Lei
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Can a warm towel compress be used for keratitis?
In general, whether patients with keratitis can use warm towel compresses depends on the stage of the condition and specific symptoms. Warm compresses are usually not recommended during the acute phase, but may be适度 applied during the recovery phase or in cases of non-infectious keratitis. In daily life, attention should be paid to eye hygiene, and rubbing the eyes with hands should be avoided to reduce the risk of developing keratitis.
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Dr. Wang Lei
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How long does it take for symptoms of keratitis to resolve?
In terms of disease type and treatment response, bacterial keratitis usually shows symptom improvement within 1–2 weeks if sensitive antibiotics are used early. Viral keratitis has a slower recovery, tends to recur, and may require 2–4 weeks or longer for resolution. Fungal keratitis is difficult to treat and has a prolonged recovery period, often lasting several months. Delayed treatment may lead to corneal ulceration or perforation, further prolonging the recovery time.
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Dr. Liu Wenmin
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