Keratitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Keratitis?
An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor who treats eye disease and does eye surgery, usually treats keratitis. Keratitis can badly and permanently harm vision if it is not treated, so eye care should not wait. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is keratitis?
Keratitis is another name for a corneal ulcer. The cornea is the clear tissue at the front of the eye. A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea.
It usually comes from an eye infection. Severe dry eye or other eye disorders can also cause it. At first, it may look like conjunctivitis, or pink eye.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Redness of the eye.
- Severe pain and soreness of the eye.
- The feeling of having something in your eye.
- Tearing, pus, or other discharge.
- Blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- A white spot on the cornea, which you may or may not be able to see in a mirror.
Without treatment, a corneal ulcer may lead to scars on the cornea or severe vision loss. Loss of the eye is rare.
Causes and who gets it
Most corneal ulcers are caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or a parasite.
- Contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses, especially soft ones left in overnight, may cause a corneal ulcer. Bacterial infections are common in contact lens wearers, especially people using extended-wear lenses.
- Herpes simplex virus. This is the virus that causes cold sores. It may cause repeated attacks, which stress, an impaired immune system, or sunlight can trigger.
- Chickenpox and shingles virus. The varicella virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, can also cause corneal ulcers.
- Fungi. Improper use of contact lenses or steroid eye drops can lead to a fungal infection. So can an eye injury that gets plant material into the eye.
- Acanthamoeba. This is a tiny single-celled organism found in fresh water and soil. If it gets into the eye, it can cause a bad infection, especially in contact lens users.
Other causes include scratches, scrapes, and burns to the cornea. Foreign bodies in the eye, severely dry eyes, and eyelids that do not close all the way, such as with Bell palsy, can also lead to ulcers.
People at higher risk include contact lens wearers, people who use steroid eye drops, and people with dry eye. People who have or have had cold sores, chickenpox, or shingles are also at higher risk.
How doctors diagnose it
An eye doctor puts a special dye called fluorescein in the eye. The dye lights up any damage to the cornea. Then the doctor looks at the cornea with a slit lamp, a special microscope.
If an infection may be the cause, the doctor may take a tiny tissue sample. Testing the sample helps find the germ so it can be treated properly.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. It should start as soon as possible to prevent scarring of the cornea.
Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops are the treatments of choice. Sometimes the doctor prescribes antifungal or antiviral tablets. In other cases, the doctor gives an injection of medicine near the eye.
Steroid eye drops may be used after the infection has improved or is gone, to reduce swelling and help prevent scarring. Use them only under close supervision by your eye doctor, because they may worsen an infection.
A corneal transplant replaces a damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea. Severe ulcers sometimes need one.
When to see a doctor
See an eye doctor right away if you think you have a corneal ulcer, have severe eye pain, or have any eye symptoms that worry you.
Contact your provider if your vision is affected or your eye pain is getting worse. Also contact them if your eyelids or the skin around your eyes become swollen or red, or if you have a headache along with other symptoms.
If your symptoms suddenly change or get worse during treatment, let your eye doctor know right away.
If chemicals splash in your eye, flush the eye with water for 15 minutes right away. Then go to the nearest emergency room.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They can review your symptoms, help you get to an eye doctor, and coordinate follow-up care.
Common questions
Is keratitis the same as a corneal ulcer?
Yes, the two names are used for the same problem. A corneal ulcer, also known as keratitis, is an open sore on the cornea.
Can keratitis cause blindness?
Yes, it can if it is not treated. Corneal ulcers can badly and permanently damage vision and even cause blindness without treatment. Many people do recover completely and have only a minor change in vision. However, a corneal ulcer can cause long-term damage and affect vision.
Can contact lenses cause keratitis?
Yes, they can. Wearing contact lenses, especially soft ones left in overnight, may cause a corneal ulcer. Washing your hands well before handling lenses and not wearing them overnight can lower your risk.
Can keratitis be prevented?
Yes, you can prevent many causes of it. Wear the correct protective eyewear for work or play that can lead to eye injury. Care for your contact lenses correctly, and get prompt treatment for an eye infection to keep ulcers from forming.
Sources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - What Is a Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)?
- MedlinePlus - Corneal ulcers and infections
- MedlinePlus - Corneal injury
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
