Infectious Keratitis(IK)

 Infectious keratitis is an infection of the cornea also known as infectious corneal ulcer or corneal opacity. Infectious keratitis can be classified as microbial keratitis (bacteria, fungi or parasites), or viral keratitis (herpes viruses).

Infectious keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea (the clear dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye) caused by a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection.

Here is an overview: Types: 1. Bacterial keratitis (most common)

2. Viral keratitis (e.g., herpes simplex, herpes zoster)

3. Fungal keratitis (e.g., candida, fusarium)

4. Parasitic keratitis (e.g., acanthamoeba)

Causes: 1. Contact lens use (especially improper hygiene) 2. Eye trauma or injury 3. Contaminated water or soil exposure 4. Poor eye hygiene 5. Weakened immune system

Symptoms: 1. Eye pain or discomfort 2. Redness and inflammation 3. Blurred vision 4. Sensitivity to light 5. Discharge or pus 6. Eye swelling

Treatment: 1. Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, or antiparasitic medications

2. Proper Contact lens removal and hygiene

3. Corneal scraping or biopsy for diagnosis

4. Pain management

5. In some cases, corneal transplant

6. Phototherapy, specifically Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (RB-PDAT), has emerged as a promising treatment option for infectious keratitis.

Mechanism: 1. Photosensitizer (e.g., Rose Bengal) is applied to the affected area. 2. Light radiation (specific wavelength) activates the photosensitizer. 3. Reactive oxygen species are produced, killing microbial cells. Benefits: 1. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity 2. Reduced risk of antibiotic resistance 3. Minimally invasive 4. Potential to preserve vision Studies have shown RB-PDAT to be effective against various microorganisms, including: 1. Bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus) 2. Fungi (e.g., Candida, Fusarium) 3. Parasites (e.g., Acanthamoeba) While phototherapy shows promise, please note that : 1. It's often used as an adjunct to conventional treatments (antibiotics, antifungals). 2. More research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety. 3. Expertise and specialized equipment are required for administration.

Prevention: 1. Practice good eye hygiene 2. Avoid sharing contact lenses or solution 3. Wear protective eyewear during activities 4. Avoid touching your eyes 5. Regular eye exams.

PROMPT medical attention is essential to prevent complications and vision loss.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Image
  Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a serious medical condition requiring prompt attention. Definition Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when the cauda equina nerves (lower spine) are compressed or damaged, disrupting communication between the brain and lower body. Causes 1. Herniated disc 2. Spinal stenosis 3. Trauma (fall, accident) 4. Infection (abscess, meningitis) 5. Tumor 6. Birth defects Symptoms 1. Severe low back pain 2. Pain, numbness, or tingling in legs 3. Weakness or paralysis in legs 4. Bladder and bowel dysfunction 5. Urinary retention or incontinence 6. Constipation 7. Sexual dysfunction Ocular Manifestations : Blurred vision can be an initial symptom of a schwannoma of the cauda equina, a rare nerve root problem that occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. Other ocular manifestations of conditions that can affect the cauda equina include: Neurosarcoidosis A multisystem disorder that can cause neurologic disease, including cranial n...
Read more

Epicanthic Folds and Hooded Eyelids, similarities and differences

Image
  Epicanthic folds are skin folds of the upper eyelid that cover the inner corner of the eye. There are four main types: - Epicanthus Supraciliaris: This type runs from the brow, curving downwards towards the Lacrimal sac. - Epicanthus Palpebralis: Beginning above the upper tarsus, it extends to the inferior orbital rim. - Epicanthus Tarsalis: Originating at the upper eyelid crease, it merges into the skin near the medial canthus. This type is most often found in East Asians. - Epicanthus Inversus: This type runs from the lower eyelid skin over the medial canthus and extends to the upper lid . These folds are more common in certain populations, including East Asians, Southeast Asians, Central Asians, North Asians, Polynesians, Micronesians, Indigenous peoples of the Americas, and some African people ¹. They can also be associated with various medical conditions, such as Down syndrome, Zellweger syndrome, and Noonan syndrome In terms of eye health, epicanthic folds may: - Decrea...
Read more

Nutrition and the Body

  Five signs that the body needs better  nutrition : B rittle nails, Eyelid twitching, Clicking of the joints, P remature graying of the hair and Easy bruising, translated as Fatigue, Skin issues, Digestive problems, Brain Fog and Weak Immune System Here are five signs that your body may need more nutrition: 1. Fatigue and Low Energy - Feeling tired or sluggish throughout the day - Difficulty concentrating or staying focused - Needing excessive caffeine or sugar for energy 1. Skin Issues - Dry, dull, or acne-prone skin - Hair loss or brittle hair - Nail problems (brittle, thin, or slow-growing) 1. Digestive Problems - Bloating, gas, or abdominal pain - Constipation or diarrhea - Difficulty absorbing nutrients 1. Mood Swings and Brain Fog - Irritability, anxiety, or depression - Difficulty remembering or learning new information - Mood swings or emotional instability 1. Weakened Immune System - Frequent illnesse...
Read more