The cornea is the eye’s outermost layer. It is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. The cornea can get infected by bacteria or fungus. Since cornea is at the front of the eye, its infection results in reduced or blurry vision with excessive discharge of tears. Tearing is a way for the eyes to fight back the intruders, this is a common occurrance with all types of eye infections.

Keratitis is painful and can develop very suddenly. It can also cause partial or complete blindness.

As like most infections, bacterial keratitis is also caused by contamination and unhygienic conditions.

Contact lens are a common source for contaminating the cornea. Unsafe handling of the contact lenses develops bacteria that get transferred on to the cornea.

Contaminated eye drops are also a common factor for causing keratitis in the eyes. If an eye medication is found to be contaminated, it must be disposed off immediately so as to prevent someone else contracting the infection.

Since, it is a bacterial infection, the remedy is antibacterial eye drops that are prescribed by a medical professional. Normal eye drops would not help to rid keratitis. Since this is a serious condition that can cause blindness, it is very important to talk to your eye doctor for treatment at the earliest.

Anti-fungal medications are used for fungal keratitis. In more severe cases, an eye surgery might be the only treatment.