Acute keratitis, these are the things you need to know

Acute keratitis is also a type of keratitis. Acute keratitis is relatively common in clinical practice, and both the cause and symptoms need to be understood. Acute keratitis is generally related to infection, and patients may also experience symptoms such as tearing and pain, so they should still pay attention to care.

1. Causes

(1) Bacterial or viral infections: Pneumococcus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus are the most common; gonococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae are less common; herpes simplex virus and fungi are rare.

(2)Allergic reaction.

(3) Neuroparalysis such as optic nerve paralysis, vitamin deficiency, etc.

(4) Trauma.

(5) Chronic dacryocystitis.

2. Main symptoms

Acute keratitis is characterized by photophobia, tearing, pain, eyelid closure, and conjunctival flushing. Traumatic corneal damage can cause the cornea to become rough and uneven, with corneal opacity. Some cases are mild, with just a thin layer of translucent opacity, while others are thicker, with an opaque white film, resulting in blindness. In cases with a longer course of disease, it causes peripheral corneal congestion and neovascularization. In severe cases, it can cause corneal perforation. Based on the cause and clinical symptoms, acute keratitis can basically be diagnosed.

3. Family emergency response

(1) Apply chloramphenicol solution or other antibiotic solution topically. If there is no purulent secretion, apply antibiotic ointment and bandage.

(2) Apply local hot compress.

(3) Use sedatives when necessary.

(4) When iritis is suspected, 10% atropine can be used to dilate the pupil.

4. Prevention

① The utensils that have been in contact with the patient must be strictly disinfected; healthy people should not use the patient's towels, washbasins, handkerchiefs, etc.

② After examining each patient with conjunctivitis or giving eye drops to the patient, the doctor should wash and disinfect his hands with 5% Lysol solution.

③During the epidemic period of acute conjunctivitis, you can use Isatis root, Trichosanthes kirilowii, Prunella vulgaris, Scutellaria baicalensis, Gardenia jasminoides, Honeysuckle, Fructus lycopersicum, and Licorice to make a big pot of soup and take medicine for prevention.