Can eyes be washed in cases of keratitis?
Disease description:
I usually like to thoroughly wash my eyes while washing my face, but now I’ve developed keratitis. May I wash my eyes if I have keratitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen You
During keratitis, the eyes should not be washed. If there is ocular discharge, a cotton swab may first be sterilized and then dipped in eye drops to gently clean away the discharge. Alternatively, normal saline may be used for irrigation under a physician’s guidance; however, other solutions must not be used arbitrarily, as they may damage the eyes. Prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is essential to determine whether the keratitis is caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
