What is the difference between keratitis and conjunctivitis?

Keratitis and conjunctivitis are very common diseases. These are eye diseases. The treatment methods for these diseases are also different. However, when treating them, it is also necessary to understand the difference between keratitis and conjunctivitis so that you know what method to choose during treatment. However, it takes some time to treat such diseases, so you can't be impatient during the treatment process.

Many people do not fully understand the difference between keratitis and conjunctivitis, and choose the same treatment method for both of them. This is not helpful in treating their diseases, but will make the diseases worse.

Differences between keratitis and conjunctivitis:

Keratitis and conjunctivitis are among the most common diseases of the ocular surface. Their symptoms have some similarities, both showing eye discomfort, tearing, increased ocular secretions and congestion, which can easily be confused.

The cornea, commonly known as the "black ball of the eye", is a transparent, avascular tissue that allows light to enter the eye, allowing people to see things. Conjunctivitis occurs in the conjunctiva, which is the transparent mucous tissue covering the inner surface of the upper and lower eyelids and the "white of the eye", which is rich in blood vessels.

Because the cornea is rich in nerve endings, keratitis often causes eye pain, which worsens when blinking. This pain will continue until the inflammation subsides and may be accompanied by photophobia. Simple conjunctivitis is manifested by foreign body sensation, itching, burning sensation, etc., and often does not cause pain or photophobia.

It should be emphasized that keratitis is a serious blinding disease that can cause varying degrees of vision loss, especially when the lesions occur in the pupil area in the center of the cornea, the patient's vision loss will be more obvious. This eye disease has a long course and slow recovery. If not controlled in time, it will further develop into corneal ulcer or even perforation, and may eventually require a corneal transplant.

Simple conjunctivitis will not affect vision. Acute conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye", is caused by bacterial or viral infection and is generally self-limiting. Even without treatment, it can heal within 10 to 14 days. It can usually heal within 1 to 3 days after taking medication. However, if it develops into chronic conjunctivitis, it will be more troublesome and generally not self-limiting. Patients will have symptoms such as itchy eyes, foreign body sensation and eye fatigue, mild congestion and a small amount of secretions. If the inflammation persists for a long time, it will also lead to conjunctival hypertrophy.

Most conjunctivitis is caused by infection with pathogenic microorganisms and is an infectious disease. Especially in spring and summer, people should pay special attention to eye hygiene, and avoid rubbing their eyes with their hands or wiping the inside of their eyes with a towel. When one eye is affected, be careful to prevent the other eye from being infected.

Through the above introduction, we have a good understanding of the difference between keratitis and conjunctivitis. Therefore, when treating them, they must be treated in a timely manner. However, it should be noted that when treating these diseases, the diet must also be arranged reasonably, which will be of great help to the improvement of the disease. Light food is the best choice.