Learn About Interstitial Keratitis
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:
- Autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis
- Leprosy
- Lyme disease
- Tuberculosis
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:
- Eye pain
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
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 may be left severely scarred and with abnormal blood vessels. The only way to restore vision at this stage is with a cornea transplant.
Baylor College Of Medicine - Ophthalmology
Stephen Pflugfelder, MD, is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to Houston and nearby communities. Stephen Pflugfelder specializes in Ophthalmology (Eye) and works at BCM Ophthalmology. To make an appointment, please call (713) 798-6100. To review all accepted insurance carriers, please visit: https://www.stlukeshealth.org/patients-visitors/patients/billing-insurance/insurances-accepted. Dr. Pflugfelder is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Interstitial Keratitis. His top areas of expertise are Dry Eye Syndrome, Interstitial Keratitis, Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis, Dacryoadenitis, and Corneal Transplant.
University Of Pittsburgh Physicians
Vishal Jhanji is an Ophthalmologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Jhanji is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Interstitial Keratitis. His top areas of expertise are Interstitial Keratitis, Astigmatism, Keratoconus, Corneal Transplant, and Cataract Removal. Dr. Jhanji is currently accepting new patients.
Scheie Eye Institute Penn Presbyterian
Bennie Jeng is an Ophthalmologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Jeng is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Interstitial Keratitis. His top areas of expertise are Interstitial Keratitis, Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Corneal Transplant, and Trabeculectomy. Dr. Jeng 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:
- Pain gets worse
- Redness increases
- Vision decreases
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: This is a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group, vehicle-controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DFL24498 compared with vehicle ophthalmic solution, in participants with AKC. Approximately 138 participants who meet all eligibility criteria will be enrolled in the study.
Summary: Bacterial keratitis is a potentially sight-threatening corneal infection that is commonly treated with intensive topical antibiotics. Despite appropriate therapy, some cases show inadequate clinical response, particularly when the infection involves the deep corneal stroma. Limited penetration of topical antibiotics into deeper corneal layers may contribute to treatment failure in these recalcitra...
Published Date: July 09, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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/.
Starnes TW, Vasaiwala RA, Bouchard CS. Noninfectious keratitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023: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 August 9, 2024.