Exposure keratitis

Exposure keratitis is a type of keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea, that occurs due to the eye's exposure to environmental factors. It is often associated with conditions that prevent the eye from closing completely, such as Bell's palsy or lagophthalmos.

Causes

Exposure keratitis is typically caused by the inability of the eyelid to close properly, which can result from various conditions including facial nerve palsy, thyroid eye disease, and sleep apnea. This inability to close the eye leads to exposure of the cornea to the air and environmental irritants, causing it to dry out and become inflamed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of exposure keratitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include eye redness, eye pain, sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, and a feeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation). In severe cases, it can lead to corneal ulcer and vision loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of exposure keratitis is typically made through a comprehensive eye examination. This may include a slit lamp examination to evaluate the front of the eye under high magnification, and fluorescein staining to highlight any damage to the cornea.

Treatment

Treatment of exposure keratitis aims to protect the cornea from further damage and promote healing. This may involve the use of lubricating eye drops or ointments, eyelid surgery to correct the underlying cause, or in severe cases, a tarsorrhaphy to partially close the eyelids.

See also

• Keratitis
• Dry eye syndrome
• Corneal ulcer