What is the difference between conjunctivitis and keratitis?

Some diseases are often confused because they have similar symptoms. Keratitis and conjunctivitis are both common inflammations of the eye. The sites of onset of the two diseases are relatively close, and the symptoms are basically similar. When people start to tear up and feel uncomfortable in their eyes, they are always unable to tell whether they have keratitis or conjunctivitis.

1. The difference between the causes of keratitis and conjunctivitis

The main causes of keratitis are trauma and infection, which are also the most common causes. Normal and intact corneal epithelial cells are the best barrier against foreign invasion.

Conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial or viral infection. Smoke and smell. Allergies to pollen, household dust, mold, and cosmetics, etc. A small number of newborns are infected through their mother's birth canal. This is a serious problem that must be treated immediately, otherwise it can cause blindness.

2. Differences in symptoms between keratitis and conjunctivitis

Keratitis can cause redness and hyperemia around the cornea, which is different from conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyelids. Mild superficial keratitis may not cause any hyperemia. The cornea of ​​keratitis becomes swollen due to inflammation, and loses its original luster and transparency. When looking at things, there will be a halo and the vision will be affected. Severe keratitis can cause corneal ulcers or even corneal perforation, allowing microorganisms to invade the eye, causing endophthalmitis and blindness.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis include congestion, foreign body sensation, photophobia, tearing, etc. If it is a bacterial infection, there will be more eye mucus. The symptoms of keratitis are more severe, commonly known as white eyes. The congestion is mainly in the deep blood vessels, dark red, called ciliary congestion, the foreign body sensation is more severe, and the pain is more obvious. The two are easily distinguished by clinical examination. Fluorescein staining can show that the surface of keratitis is colored, while that of conjunctivitis is not. If you get inflammation due to contact lenses, keratitis and corneal ulcers are common. If it is conjunctivitis, the symptoms will be much milder.

3. Differences in the treatment of keratitis and conjunctivitis

Acute conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infection and usually recovers within 1-3 days after taking medication. However, chronic conjunctivitis is more troublesome. Patients feel itching, foreign body sensation and eye fatigue, mild congestion and a small amount of secretion. If the inflammation persists for a long time, conjunctival hypertrophy will occur.

Keratitis is often a serious disease with a long course and slow recovery. If it is not effectively treated, corneal ulcers and perforations may occur, and even intraocular infection may occur. It is a serious blinding disease and may eventually require a corneal transplant.