Keratitis digital illustration

Keratitis Save


ICD-10 code: H16

Chapter: Diseases of the eye and adnexia

Keratitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Keratitis is a condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It is usually caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by an injury, contact lens use, or a reaction to certain medications.

  1. Symptoms
  2. The symptoms of keratitis can vary depending on the cause, but they often include:

    • Eye pain
    • Redness
    • Blurred vision
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Excessive tearing or discharge
    • Feeling like there is something in your eye
  3. Causes
  4. As mentioned earlier, the most common cause of keratitis is infection, usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. However, there are other causes as well. Some of the most common causes of keratitis include:

    • Wearing contact lenses for too long
    • Not cleaning contact lenses properly
    • Exposure to contaminated water
    • Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
    • Chemical exposure
  5. Treatment
  6. The treatment for keratitis will depend on the cause. If it is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication. If it is caused by an injury, your doctor may prescribe eye drops or ointment to help reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

    It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have keratitis. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications, including vision loss.

Preventing keratitis is possible by taking the proper precautions. This includes washing your hands before touching your eyes, properly cleaning and storing your contact lenses, and wearing protective eyewear when necessary.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of keratitis, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. With proper treatment, most cases of keratitis can be successfully treated without any long-term complications.

Diagnosis Codes for Keratitis | H16

Not Available