Individuals with keratitis, present with the following signs and symptoms [7]:

• Development of redness in the eyes along with pain
• Increased discharge from the eyes
• Increased production of tears from the eyes
• Vision becomes blurred
• Development of photophobia, a condition characterized by sensitivity to light
• Decrease in vision
• Experiencing difficulty in opening the eyes due to irritation or pain

A preliminary physical examination followed by careful study of the signs and symptoms should be carried out. In addition, the following tests can be employed for diagnosing keratitis [8].

• Eye examination: The eyes should be examined for measuring visual acuity by using the standardized eye charts. Even though the individuals will experience some form of discomfort while opening the eyes for examination, such a type of test is very important and should be performed.
• Penlight examination: Using a penlight, the size and pupil reaction should be measured.
• Slit lamp examination: In this test, the eyes are examined using an instrument known as slit lamp. This instrument illuminates the eye to evaluate the character and extent of keratitis as well as effect on the neighboring areas of the eye.
• Laboratory studies: In this test, sample of the tear or corneal cells are studied for the cause of keratitis. This helps in designing an appropriate treatment plan for the condition.

• The type of treatment employed largely depends on the type of keratitis that has set in. Treatment methods are be different for infectious and non-infectious type of keratitis. 
• If infections are the cause of keratitis, then eye drops should be administered based on the type of organism involved. In case of bacterial infections, antibacterial drops should be advised and if viral agents are the cause, then antiviral drops along with oral medications should be administered [9] [10].
• In cases, when keratitis is caused by the parasite acanthamoeba, antibacterial drops may be of little help. In severe cases, corneal transplant may be required. This is so because such type of infections get difficult to treat through medications and eye drops.
• Individuals suffering from non-infectious keratitis require a 24-hour eye patch and eye drops if contact lenses are the source of cause.

If the condition is diagnosed in early stages and appropriate treatment is given, infections can be treated and onset of vision loss can be prevented. Failure to do so can lead to permanent scarring and long term vision loss. Severe forms of infection can also cause perforation into the cornea leading to loss of the eye.

There are several factors that trigger an attack of keratitis. These include the following:

• Injury: Injury to the eye can pave way for the bacteria and other organisms to gain entry causing infection. In addition, if an object penetrates the cornea or scratches the surface, the resultant irritation can favor the development of keratitis [2].
• Contact lenses: Using contaminated contact lenses for prolonged duration can contaminate the cornea of the eye causing keratitis [3].
• Infectious agents: Various viruses such as herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster virus can also favor inflammation of the cornea. In addition, Chlamydia infection can also lead to keratitis.
• Contaminated water: Various types of chemicals contained in water can irritate the corneal epithelium favoring the development of keratitis.

It has been estimated that about 25,000 individuals in US develop the condition of bacterial keratitis each year. Countries which are less industrialized have fewer cases of infectious keratitis owing to fact that there are less numbers of contact lens users. Severe inflammation of the cornea due to keratitis can be a cause of significant morbidity amongst the affected population [4].

For infection to occur or for the micro organisms to gain entry into the corneal layer, there must be some kind of physical breakdown of the epithelial layer of the cornea. Such an activity paves way for development of keratitis. An injury to the eye, which causes tear in intact film of corneal epithelium favors the entry of microorganisms where they proliferate and may cause ulceration [5].

In the initial stages of the disease, the site of injury and infection undergoes swelling and necrosis. Contact lenses when worn for prolonged duration can cause the corneal epithelium to become vulnerable to attack by bacterial or viral agents [6].

Individuals wearing contact lenses should carefully clean and disinfect their lenses prior to using them every day. Such a habit prevents the development of keratitis. In addition, taking precautionary measures while suffering from viral outbreaks also goes a long way in preventing the onset of keratitis.

Inflammation and pain in the cornea is known is keratitis. Infections and injuries to the eye along with underlying disease conditions can cause keratitis. Mild to moderate cases of keratitis can be easily treated; however, if the condition is left untreated, there can be permanent loss of vision. Individuals suffering from keratitis can experience itchiness in the eyes each time they blink. There are several forms of keratitis depending on the causative factor. Infectious type of keratitis is caused due to bacteria, viruses and fungi. The non-infectious variety is caused due to injury or underlying disease conditions [1].

Keratitis is a condition, wherein there is inflammation of the cornea of the eye. Infections, physical injury and underlying disease conditions are the cause of keratitis. Individuals wearing contact lenses for prolonged duration are at an increased risk of developing the condition. Affected individuals suffer from redness of the eyes accompanied by pain and irritation. There is increased discharge from the affected eye and blurring of vision. Individuals often experience difficulty in opening their eyes due to pain and irritation.

The treatment depends on the cause of keratitis. If bacterial infections are the cause, then antibiotics drops along with medications form the basis of treatment. If parasitic infections are the cause, then corneal transplant may be required. For contact lens wearer, 24-hour eye patch is required.

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