Minnesota Eye Conultants, P.A.

Corneal Disease (Keratitis)

Ilasik, all laser LASIK
iLASIK, the revolutionary ALL-LASER surgical solution endorsed by top medical experts and the US military and astronaut programs can help adults reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. If you are seeking a Minneapolis LASIK specialist we are excited to introduce you to the ultimate in laser vision correction, it’s called the iLASIK™.
Our Doctors
If you are seeking the best eye doctors in Minneapolis please feel free to contact the medical professionals at Minnesota Eye Consultants. This consortium of the most recognized leaders in ophthalmology today is dedicated to providing superior patient care while pursuing significant research in LASIK laser vision correction, refractive surgery, cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment, oculoplastics and total eye care.
No-Stitch Cataract Surgery
Minnesota eye care patients can now see better after cataract surgery due to major advancements in technology over the last 20 years. If you are seeking cataract surgery in Minnesota you now have the choice for premium lens implants after cataract surgery including multifocal IOL implants or accommodating IOL implants. Patients can see at near, intermediate and far distances with premium lens implants after cataract surgery.

Corneal Disease (Keratitis)

Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea—the domed, transparent circular portion of the front of the eyeball that lies over the pupil.  There are several types, including superficial punctate keratitis, in which the cells on the surface of the cornea die; interstitial keratitis, a condition that can be either the direct result of infection, or more commonly secondary to an immunologic process ; herpes simplex viral keratitis, caused by the sexually transmitted herpes virus; and traumatic keratitis, which results when a corneal injury leaves scar tissue.

Causes
A wide variety of conditions can lead to inflammation of the cornea.  Among them are viral, bacterial, or fungal infections; exposure to ultraviolet light such as sunlight or sunlamps; exposure to other intense light sources such as welding arcs or snow or water reflections; irritation from excessive use of contact lenses; dry eyes caused by an eyelid disorder or insufficient tear formation; a foreign object in the eye; a vitamin A deficiency; or a reaction to eye drops, eye cosmetics, pollution, or airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold, or yeast.  The condition is also a side effect of certain medications.

Signs/Symptoms
The condition may cause severe pain, reduce vision, produce a corneal discharge or even erode the cornea.  Keratitis usually makes the eyes very painful and watery, bloodshot, and sensitive to light.  The condition is often accompanied by blurred or hazy vision.  If the herpes simplex virus is the cause, you will notice a small white spot on the cornea.

Care
Treatment depends largely on the source of the problem.  If a common adenoviral virus is causing the keratitis , the condition is likely to clear up on its own, usually in about two to three weeks.  Available medications for this form of keratitis include palliative treatment. 

Keratitis brought on by a bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops.  These drops are also used if the keratitis is due to irritation from contact lenses or ultraviolet light.  Dry eyes are typically treated by a specially formulated eye drop solution that simulates real tears.  If a medication is the culprit, it must be stopped until the eye has had time to heal.

In some cases, the doctor may gently swab or scrape the cornea to remove dead and damaged cells.  Pain medications and an topical medicines  to prevent light from causing further irritation are often prescribed to speed recovery and provide relief from discomfort.


Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube