Tuberculous keratitis digital illustration

Tuberculous keratitis Save


ICD-10 code: A18.52

Disease category: A18.5: Tuberculosis of eye

Tuberculous Keratitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Tuberculous keratitis is a rare but serious eye infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This infection usually affects the cornea, which is the transparent outer layer of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. Tuberculous keratitis can lead to severe vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

Causes

The most common cause of tuberculous keratitis is the spread of tuberculosis bacteria from other parts of the body, such as the lungs, to the eye through the bloodstream. It can also be caused by direct contact with infected material, such as sputum or saliva, from a person with tuberculosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tuberculous keratitis may include:

  1. Eye pain and redness
  2. Blurred vision
  3. Sensitivity to light
  4. Watery discharge from the eye
  5. White or grayish spot on the cornea
  6. Difficulty opening the eye
Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tuberculous keratitis usually involves a comprehensive eye exam and medical history review. The doctor may also perform a corneal scraping to collect a sample of the infected tissue for laboratory testing. The results of the laboratory test can confirm the presence of the tuberculosis bacteria.

In conclusion, tuberculous keratitis is a serious eye infection that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of this infection. Early detection and treatment can help prevent long-term complications.

Treatment of Tuberculous keratitis:

Treatment Options for Tuberculous Keratitis
Tuberculous keratitis is a rare form of eye infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It affects the cornea, leading to painful ulcers, scarring, and vision loss if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to manage this condition.

1. Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT)

The primary t...

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