Can chronic keratitis cause blindness?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 21, 2024
00:00
00:00

Chronic bacterial conjunctivitis generally does not cause blindness. Its main clinical symptoms include itching, burning, dryness, eye pain, and visual fatigue. The conjunctiva is mildly congested and may be accompanied by thickening of the palpebral conjunctiva, papillary hypertrophy, and mucous secretions. Moraxella can cause canthal conjunctivitis, which is accompanied by crusting and ulceration of the skin at the outer canthus, and hypertrophy of the palpebral conjunctiva's papillae and follicles. Staphylococcus aureus infections are often accompanied by ulcerative blepharitis, or peripheral corneal punctate infiltration.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
52sec home-news-image

Symptoms of neonatal keratitis

After a newborn develops keratitis, symptoms such as eye discomfort, tearing, increased tear secretion, and congestion may occur. If the cornea is infected due to disease or trauma, the inflammation of the cornea will inevitably affect the vision to varying degrees, especially if the inflammation invades the pupil area, which is more severe. After the ulcer heals, the resulting corneal scar not only obstructs the entry of light into the eye but also causes changes in the curvature and refractive index of the corneal surface, affecting vision. Generally, for newborns, the symptoms are caused by non-severe illnesses, so they are usually mild, mostly involving tearing or even secretion. In such cases, eye medications should be used early for treatment. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
48sec home-news-image

How long is the general recovery period for keratitis?

The recovery time for blurry vision caused by keratitis can vary, as keratitis can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may recover within 3-5 days, but severe cases, if complications like corneal nebula, macula, leukoma, corneal ulcers, or corneal perforation occur, may lead to difficult or impossible vision recovery, or even blindness. Therefore, it is important to take keratitis seriously in treatment. Active and diligent treatment should not be neglected. Normally, do not apply heat, maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, use eye drops and ointments as prescribed, attend regular check-ups, and monitor vision status.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
46sec home-news-image

What should I do if my baby gets keratitis?

Infants with keratitis should visit the hospital for an examination as soon as possible. Some children might not cooperate well, requiring experienced doctors to assist in the examination to determine the cause and provide symptomatic treatment. Concurrently, etiological treatment should be administered. Initially, local antibiotics should be used for anti-infection treatment. If the keratitis is caused by a viral infection, antiviral medication can be appropriately used. If the condition worsens, the patient should be checked once a day or once every two days. Once there is an improvement, a follow-up check is generally required every three days. Additionally, it is important to monitor for any corneal damage, and if necessary, medications for corneal repair should be used.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
55sec home-news-image

The difference between conjunctivitis and keratitis.

Eye membrane inflammation generally refers to the whites of the eyes, which is conjunctivitis, while corneal inflammation refers to the black part of the eyes. Both conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation should be actively treated. The symptoms of conjunctivitis include red eyes, swelling, pain, tearing, photophobia, increased secretion, foreign body sensation, and burning sensation, generally not affecting vision. In addition to the above symptoms, corneal inflammation has more pronounced symptoms of corneal irritation, such as increased sensitivity to light and more severe tearing. If corneal inflammation is not actively treated, it may later lead to thinning of the cornea, spots, and opacities, severely affecting vision. If not treated properly, corneal ulcers can perforate, leading to complete loss of vision, or blindness.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
43sec home-news-image

Can you smoke during keratitis?

During the period of keratitis, it is best not to smoke. Although smoking does not directly affect the factors of corneal healing, it can indirectly affect the healing of keratitis. If keratitis is not actively treated, or if the condition progresses or is not well controlled, it can easily lead to corneal opacity, spots, and leukoplakia. Additionally, it can lead to the formation of corneal ulcers and corneal perforation, causing severe visual impairment and even leading to blindness. Therefore, keratitis can be either mild or severe, and it should not be ignored in treatment. Active treatment and regular check-ups generally lead to recovery.