Chennaites beware conjunctivitis might affect cornea
Posted on: 13/May/2015 3:47:05 PM
A more virulent form of conjunctivitis is stalking Chennaites this season. Not only is it taking a longer time to heal, in many cases it is affecting the cornea, causing temporary blurring of the vision.
This condition, in which the cornea is inflamed, is called `keratitis` � different from the primary infection where only the conjunctiva is affected. The combined condition is called `keratoconjunctivitis`.
A simple conjunctivitis does not cause much problem expect for the irritation and discomfort in the eye. But it is the secondary infection keratoconjunctivitis � a condition in which the cornea is also affected.
In case of the usual conjunctivitis, which is caused by adenovirus, inflammation occurs only in the outermost layer of the eye called conjunctiva. An antibiotic drop or ointment along with a lubricant to ease the discomforts all that a patient needs to use until the virus dies on its own in about four days to a week. But if the infection is severe and persists, the cornea could be affected.
"If the irritation in the eye is accompanied by a problem in vision, it is an indication that the infection has spread till the cornea. And if this condition persists, the patient should immediately consult an ophthalmologist," cautioned by a ophthalmologist.
