Eye
Medicines for Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea (the clear front of the eye), which can threaten sight if caused by infection — needing prompt assessment, especially for contact lens wearers.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Keratitis?
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea — the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of the eye. It can be caused by infection (bacteria, viruses such as herpes, fungi or, rarely, a parasite linked to contaminated water and contact lenses) or by non-infectious causes such as injury, a foreign body, or dryness.
- How it is treated: Prompt assessment and treatment are essential, particularly for infectious keratitis.
- Self-care: For contact lens wearers, good lens hygiene is key: washing hands before handling lenses, not wearing them overnight or while swimming or showering (unless advised), replacing lenses and cases as recommended, and using fresh solution.
- When to seek help: Seek urgent eye care (eye casualty, optician or A&E) for a painful, red eye with light sensitivity, watering and blurred vision — especially if you wear contact lenses.
What it is
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea — the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of the eye. It can be caused by infection (bacteria, viruses such as herpes, fungi or, rarely, a parasite linked to contaminated water and contact lenses) or by non-infectious causes such as injury, a foreign body, or dryness. Symptoms include a painful, red eye, sensitivity to light, watering, blurred vision, and a feeling of something in the eye. Infectious keratitis, in particular, is a serious condition because, if not treated promptly, it can lead to scarring and permanent loss of vision, or an ulcer on the cornea. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk, especially with poor lens hygiene or wearing lenses overnight or while swimming. Because of the risk to sight, a painful red eye with these features needs urgent assessment.
How it is treated
Prompt assessment and treatment are essential, particularly for infectious keratitis. Treatment targets the cause: bacterial keratitis is treated with intensive antibiotic eye drops, viral keratitis with antiviral treatment, and other causes accordingly, guided by an eye specialist who may take samples to identify the germ. Contact lens wear is stopped during treatment. Non-infectious keratitis is treated by addressing the cause (such as removing a foreign body or treating dryness). Close follow-up ensures the cornea is healing. Because delay can cost sight, anyone with a painful red eye, light sensitivity and blurred vision — especially a contact lens wearer — should seek urgent eye care rather than waiting. Prevention centres on good contact lens hygiene.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Keratitis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
For contact lens wearers, good lens hygiene is key: washing hands before handling lenses, not wearing them overnight or while swimming or showering (unless advised), replacing lenses and cases as recommended, and using fresh solution. Protecting the eyes from injury also helps.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent eye care (eye casualty, optician or A&E) for a painful, red eye with light sensitivity, watering and blurred vision — especially if you wear contact lenses. Prompt treatment protects sight; do not wait to see if it settles.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Keratitis: frequently asked questions
Why is keratitis serious?
Because inflammation or infection of the cornea can, if not treated promptly, cause scarring, an ulcer and permanent vision loss. Infectious keratitis in particular is an emergency, especially in contact lens wearers.
How can contact lens wearers avoid keratitis?
Through good lens hygiene: washing hands before handling lenses, not wearing them overnight or while swimming or showering, replacing lenses and cases as advised, and using fresh solution each time.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Corneal problems / keratitis
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidance
Related conditions
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