Interstitial keratitis is inflammation of the tissue of the cornea, the clear window on the front of the eye. This condition can lead to vision loss.
Keratitis interstitial; Cornea - keratitis
Interstitial keratitis is a serious condition in which blood vessels grow into the cornea. Such growth can cause loss of the normal clearness of the cornea. This condition is often caused by infections.
Syphilis is the most common cause of interstitial keratitis, but rare causes include:
In the United States, most cases of syphilis are recognized and treated before this eye condition develops.
However, interstitial keratitis accounts for 10% of avoidable blindness in the least developed countries worldwide.
Symptoms may include:
The underlying disease must be treated. Treating the cornea with corticosteroid drops may minimize scarring and help keep the cornea clear.
Once the active inflammation has passed, the cornea is left severely scarred and with abnormal blood vessels. The only way to restore vision at this stage is with a cornea transplant.
Namperumalsamy Prajna practices in Madurai, India. Prajna is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Interstitial Keratitis. They are also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Interstitial Keratitis, Amebiasis, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Corneal Transplant, and Cataract Removal.
Pedram Hamrah is an Ophthalmologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Hamrah has been practicing medicine for over 24 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Interstitial Keratitis. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Interstitial Keratitis, Dry Eye Syndrome, Blepharitis, Hereditary Keratitis, and Corneal Transplant. He is licensed to treat patients in Massachusetts. Hamrah is currently accepting new patients.
Elmer Tu is an Ophthalmologist in Chicago, Illinois. Tu has been practicing medicine for over 35 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Interstitial Keratitis. He is also highly rated in 36 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Interstitial Keratitis, Amebiasis, Macular Corneal Dystrophy Type 1, Corneal Transplant, and Cataract Removal. He is licensed to treat patients in Illinois. Tu is currently accepting new patients.
Diagnosing and treating interstitial keratitis and its cause early can preserve the clear cornea and good vision.
A corneal transplant is not as successful for interstitial keratitis as it is for most other corneal diseases. The presence of blood vessels in the diseased cornea brings white blood cells to the newly transplanted cornea and increases the risk of rejection.
People with interstitial keratitis need to be followed closely by an ophthalmologist and a medical specialist with knowledge of the underlying disease.
A person with the condition should be checked immediately if:
This is particularly crucial for people with corneal transplants.
Prevention consists of avoiding the infection that causes interstitial keratitis. If you do get infected, get prompt and thorough treatment and follow-up.
Summary: Corneal melt is a complication that could affect very ill eyes and lead to the thinning of the cornea (the clear window covering of the eyes). This thinning can lead to severe consequences such as the leakage of the liquid inside the eye (ocular perforation), or even blindness. Corneal melt can be caused by certain infections or as a sterile process. This project only includes patients with a ster...
Summary: To explore the association with TCM pattern and TCM tongue diagnosis for Autoimmune disease and Dry eye syndrome.
Published Date: August 22, 2022
Published By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Cano-Ortiz A, Leiva-Gea I, Ventosa ÁS, et al. Stromal interstitial keratitis in a patient with COVID-19. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2022;45(4):e175-e177. PMID: 35033376 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35033376/.
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Gauthier A-S, Noureddine S, Delbosc B. Interstitial keratitis diagnosis and treatment. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2019;42(6):e229-e237. PMID: 31103357 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31103357/.
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Vasaiwala RA, Bouchard CS. Noninfectious keratitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.17.
World Health Organization website. Eye care, vision impairment and blindness. www.who.int/health-topics/blindness-and-vision-loss#tab=tab_1. Accessed October 31, 2022.