Keratoconjunctivitis

Keratoconjunctivitis
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Redness, itching, tearing, discharge
Complications	Corneal ulcer, vision impairment
Onset
Duration
Types	Viral keratoconjunctivitis, bacterial keratoconjunctivitis, allergic keratoconjunctivitis
Causes	Viral infection, bacterial infection, allergy
Risks
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis, slit-lamp examination
Differential diagnosis	Conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, blepharitis
Prevention	Hand hygiene, avoiding allergens
Treatment	Artificial tears, antihistamines, antibiotics
Medication
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Keratoconjunctivitis is a type of eye disease that involves both the cornea and the conjunctiva. It is characterized by inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, which can lead to symptoms such as redness, pain, and blurred vision.

Causes

Keratoconjunctivitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, viruses, allergens, and environmental irritants. The most common viral cause is the adenovirus, while the most common bacterial causes are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Symptoms

The symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis can vary depending on the cause, but they generally include redness, pain, and blurred vision. Other symptoms can include light sensitivity, a feeling of grittiness in the eye, and a watery or mucous discharge.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination of the eye. Additional tests, such as a slit lamp examination or a culture of the eye discharge, may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause.

Treatment

The treatment of keratoconjunctivitis depends on the cause. Bacterial keratoconjunctivitis is typically treated with antibiotic eye drops, while viral keratoconjunctivitis usually resolves on its own with supportive care. Allergic keratoconjunctivitis can be managed with antihistamine eye drops and avoidance of the allergen.

See also

• Conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Dry eye syndrome