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Keratitis Eye Drops: An Effective Way to Treat Eye Conditions

Gina, Master of Clinical Pharmacy
Published

LAST UPDATED:

Keratitis Eye Drops: An Effective Way to Treat Eye Conditions

Keratitis is an eye issue where the cornea of the eye gets swollen or inflamed, resulting in red, painful eyes. 

It can be caused by an infection or eye injury, making your eyes sensitive to light and blurring your vision.

In most cases, Keratitis can be treated effectively with eye drops without the risk of vision loss.

This article will explore types of Keratitis eye drops and their possible side effects.

Keratitis eye drops

One can manage Keratitis effectively with eye drops and other medications.

Keratitis can be categorized as infectious or noninfectious, depending on the underlying cause.

Noninfectious Keratitis mostly occurs due to an eye injury or prolonged contact lens use.

Suggestion:
Before handling your contact lenses, always wash your hands and take them out before going to bed or the swimming pool.

Alternatively, infectious Keratitis could be the result of a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection.

Keratitis treatment is determined by the underlying cause of the condition. 

Not all Keratitis infections respond to the medications in the same way. 

Noninfectious Keratitis, caused by a corneal scratch or other eye injuries, may heal on its own in some time without any medical treatment. 

However, to address stinging, burning, and pain, your doctor may suggest artificial tears, eye ointments, cold compresses, an eye patch, and proper rest.

For treating infectious Keratitis, your doctor may recommend antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic eye drops based on the cause of the infection.

Antibacterial eye drops

Use artificial tears eyedropSource: Denisfilm_From_Getty_Images
Antibacterial eye drops

The doctor may prescribe antibacterial eye drops in case of mild Bacterial Keratitis.

They frequently include antibiotics like Moxifloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, or Gentamicin.

Oral antibiotics may be suggested in more severe situations. 

If the Keratitis is severe, adding steroid eye drops to the treatment plan can help reduce swelling.

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Antiviral eye drops

A doctor may provide antiviral eye drops such as Ganciclovir, Trifluridine, or oral antiviral medications to treat Viral Keratitis. 

These infections are incurable and may reoccur during periods of sickness or stress. 

Some persons with Viral Keratitis require antiviral medicine regularly to avoid recurrence.

Antifungal eye drops

Antifungal eye drops and oral medications are prescribed if the Keratitis is caused by a fungus.

Eye drops that are used to treat Fungal Keratitis include Natamycin, or Amphotericin B.

Topical antifungal Natamycin is effective against fungal infections of the outer layer of the eye, especially those brought on by fungi like Fusarium and Aspergillus.

Antiparasitic eye drops

Acanthamoeba Keratitis is an uncommon but dangerous infection of the eye.

It can cause blindness or lifelong vision impairment. 

The condition is caused by a tiny, free-living ameba known as Acanthamoeba. 

Antiparasitic eye drops are frequently used to treat Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

These include Hexamidine Diisethionate and Propamidine Isethionate.

Want to know more about Keratitis symptoms? Read our article: Keratitis Symptoms: Understanding the Signs of Corneal Inflammation

Side effects of eye drops for Keratitis

Eye redness (viral pink eye symptom)Source: dtimiraos_from_Getty_Images
Eye redness

Just like any other medications, Keratitis eye drops can also lead to side effects if not administered as prescribed.

Some of the potential side effects of Keratitis eye drops include:

  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Irritation
  • Pain in the eyes
  • A burning or stinging feeling in the eyes
  • Temporary blurriness in vision

Contact a certified healthcare provider immediately if you have discomfort, worsening symptoms, or other unexpected reactions after taking Keratitis eye drops.

Warning:
Keratitis is more prone in contact lens wearers. Make sure you follow the recommendations of your healthcare practitioner regarding the use, maintenance, and storage of your contact lenses.

Conclusion

Keratitis is an eye infection that can be infectious or noninfectious depending upon the causative agent.

If left untreated, Keratitis can lead to permanent vision loss.

Doctors usually recommend different types of eye drops to treat the condition based on the type of infection.

Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic eye drops can be prescribed to treat bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic Keratitis, respectively.

However, these Keratitis eye drops can lead to side effects.

Hence, consulting a doctor is necessary before considering them to treat your condition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What antibiotic drops are used for Keratitis?

Fortified topical antibiotics, such as Fluoroquinolones, are generally used to treat Keratitis. 

What eye drops are good for Keratitis?

The treatment of Keratitis depends upon the cause. Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal eye drops are usually employed for bacterial, viral, and fungal Keratitis.

Where can you buy antibacterial eye drops for Keratitis?

Eye drops for Keratitis can not be purchased over the counter. You need a doctor’s prescription to buy the medication.

Why Cycloplegic drops for Bacterial Keratitis?

Cycloplegic eye drops are usually used to treat the pain associated with Bacterial Keratitis.

What happens if you use allergy drops in your eye while having Keratitis?

Using allergy eye drops for keratitis could worsen the symptoms or increase existing discomfort. 
Antihistamines and other substances used to alleviate allergic responses are commonly found in allergy eye drops. 
Using the wrong type of eye drops for Keratitis may worsen the infection and might lead to a delay in treatment.

What drops are used for Herpes Zoster Keratitis?

Cyclopentolate and Atropine are the most commonly used eye drops for Herpes Zoster Keratitis. 
These eye drops keep the pupil dilated and help relieve the pain.

Citations:
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