How to Diagnose Keratitis

The eyes are a vital organ of the body, enabling us to perceive the external world. The cornea is an essential component of the eye; thus, any corneal abnormality can significantly impair vision. So, how is keratitis diagnosed?

How to Diagnose Keratitis

In general, keratitis is diagnosed based on typical clinical manifestations—such as ocular irritation symptoms including eye pain, photophobia, tearing, and eyelid spasm—as well as slit-lamp examination findings, including ciliary injection, corneal infiltration or ulceration, and characteristic morphological features. Clinical diagnosis of keratitis is usually straightforward; however, identifying the underlying cause and achieving early diagnosis remain critical. Therefore, the first step is to determine whether the lesion is infectious or non-infectious.

A thorough patient history should be obtained, followed by appropriate laboratory investigations tailored to the individual’s clinical presentation. Laboratory tests—including bacterial, fungal, and Acanthamoeba cultures—enable accurate etiological identification and guide optimal treatment selection for infectious keratitis. Currently, confocal microscopy serves as an excellent auxiliary tool for diagnosing keratitis.

Patients with keratitis should consume foods beneficial to ocular health, particularly those rich in vitamins A, B, and C—such as fruits, vegetables, and seafood—while limiting intake of sweets. Animal liver is recommended, along with a light, balanced diet. Alcohol, spicy foods, and hard-to-chew foods should be avoided. We hope this information proves helpful to you.