Remove your lenses and contact an eye doctor the same day.
What is keratitis?
The cornea can be infected by bacteria, viruses (e.g. the cold sore virus) or, in rare cases, fungi and amoebae. The risk is markedly higher in contact lens wearers, especially if you sleep in your lenses.
Symptoms
- Pain in the eye, not just irritation
- Redness and marked sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision and watering
- Possibly a white spot on the cornea
Do you wear contact lenses and have a red, sore eye?
Remove your lenses immediately and do not use them again until the eye has been examined. Keep the lenses and the case so they can be examined. Contact an eye doctor or the out-of-hours service the same day.
Treatment
Keratitis is treated with intensive antibiotic or antiviral eye drops, often every hour at first. It is important to follow the plan and attend check-ups, as scars on the cornea can permanently reduce vision.
Prevention for lens wearers
- Never sleep in lenses unless they are approved for it
- Do not swim or shower with lenses
- Never rinse lenses or the case in tap water
- Replace lenses and case as instructed, and wash your hands first
This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.