Bacterial Keratitis

Bacterial keratitis is bacterial infection of the cornea, an ophthalmic emergency that can progress to ulceration, perforation, and corneal scarring. Risk factors: contact-lens wear, trauma, ocular surface disease. Clinical: pain, redness, photophobia, discharge, reduced vision, and a corneal infiltrate/ulcer. Treatment: urgent ophthalmology; corneal scraping for smear/culture; frequent fortified topical antibiotics (fluoroquinolone/cefazolin/gentamicin); cycloplegics; corneal transplant if perforation/scarring.

Common Symptoms

Pain/redness/photophobia; discharge; reduced vision; corneal infiltrate; contact-lens/trauma risk

Causes and Pathogenesis

Bacteria (Pseudomonas/Staphylococcus) invade corneal epithelium/stroma, causing infiltrate and ulceration.

Treatment

Urgent ophthalmology; smear/culture; fortified topical antibiotics; cycloplegics; transplant if needed

Preventive Measures

Contact-lens hygiene; avoid overnight wear; urgent treatment.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Ophthalmology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.