Unit 9: Red Eye
5: Bacterial Keratitis
A serious unilateral corneal infection that needs prompt treatment.
Risk Factors
- History of trauma
- Corneal foreign body
- Contact lens wear
- Corneal exposure
Source: EyeRounds.org. Contributor: John J. Chen, MD, PhD, The University of Iowa. Photographer: Randy Verdick, FOPS, The University of Iowa.
Symptoms
- Unilateral acute pain
- Red eye
- Foreign body sensation
- Decreased vision
- Photophobia
- Watering
Management
Refer to ophthalmology as emergency for:
- Corneal scrapings for Gram stain and cultures
- Stop wearing contact lenses and send for culture if available
- Hourly topical antibiotics, e.g. ofloxacin
