Keratitis: Difference between revisions

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Treatment depends on the cause of the keratitis.
Treatment depends on the cause of the keratitis.


Infectious keratitis generally requires antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral therapy is to treat the infection. This treatment can involve prescription eye drops, pills, or even intravenous therapy.  Over-the-counter eye drops are typically not helpful in treating infections. In addition, contact lens wearers are typically advised to discontinue contact lens wear and discarding contaminated contact lenses and contact lens cases.  Antibacterial solutions include Quixin ([[levofloxacin]]), Zymar ([[gatifloxacin]]), Vigamox ([[moxifloxacin]]), Ocuflox ([[ofloxacin]] — available generically). Steroid containing medications should not be used for bacterial infections, as they may exacerbate the disease and lead to severe corneal ulceration and corneal perforation. These include Maxitrol ([[neomycin]]+[[polymyxin]]+[[dexamethasone]] — available generically), as well as other steroid medications. One should consult a qualified Ophthalmologist for treatment of an eye condition.
::*'''1. Empiric antimicrobial therapy'''


Some infections may scar the cornea to limit vision. Others may result in perforation of the cornea, [[endophthalmitis]] (an infection inside the eye), or even loss of the eye. With proper medical attention, infections can usually be successfully treated without long-term visual loss.
:::*Preferred regimen (1): [[Ciprofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
 
:::*Preferred regimen (2): [[Ofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
 
:::*Preferred regimen (3): [[Levofloxacin]] 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
:::*Preferred regimen (4): [[Moxifloxacin]] 0.5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
 
:::*Preferred regimen (5): [[Gatifloxacin]] 0.3% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
 
:::*Preferred regimen (6): [[Cefazolin]] 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14  {{and}} [[Tobramycin]] 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 {{or}} [[Gentamicin]] 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14)
 
:::*Alternative regimen (1), unresponsive keratitis: [[Vancomycin]] 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 {{and}} [[Amikacin]] 5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
 
:::*Alternative regimen (2): [[Erythromycin]] 0.5% ophthalmic ointment qhs for 1 week {{and}} ([[Amikacin]] 5% {{and}}/{{or}} [[Vancomycin]] 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14)
 
:::* Note (1) : Subconjunctival antibiotics may be helpful where there is imminent scleral spread or perforation or in cases where adherence to the treatment regimen is questionable.
:::* Note (2) : Systemic therapy is necessary for suspected gonococcal infection.
 
::*'''2 Pathogen-directed antimicrobial therapy'''
 
:::*'''2.1 Non-streptococcal gram-positive bacteria'''
 
::::*Preferred regimen (1): [[Moxifloxacin]] 0.5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (2): [[Gatifloxacin]] 0.3% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
 
::::*Preferred regimen (3): [[Ciprofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (4): [[Ofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
::::*Preferred regimen (5): [[Levofloxacin]] 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
::::*Preferred regimen (6): [[Cefazolin]] 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14  {{and}} [[Tobramycin]] 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
:::*'''2.2 Streptococcus pneumoniae'''
::::*Preferred regimen (1): [[Moxifloxacin]] 0.5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (2): [[Gatifloxacin]] 0.3% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (3): [[Ciprofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (4): [[Ofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
::::*Preferred regimen (5): [[Levofloxacin]] 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
::::*Preferred regimen (6): [[Cefazolin]] 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14  {{and}} [[Tobramycin]] 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
::::Alternative regimen, unresponsive keratitis: [[Vancomycin]] 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 {{and}} [[Amikacin]] 5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
::*'''2.3 Nocardia spp.'''
 
::::*Preferred regimen (1): [[Vancomycin]] 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 {{and}} [[Amikacin]] 5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (2): [[Erythromycin]] 0.5% ophthalmic ointment qhs for 1 week {{and}} ([[Amikacin]] 5% {{and}}/{{or}} [[Vancomycin]] 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14)
 
:::*'''2.4 Gram-negative bacteria'''
::::*Preferred regimen (1): [[Moxifloxacin]] 0.5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (2): [[Gatifloxacin]] 0.3% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (3): [[Ciprofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (4): [[Ofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
::::*Preferred regimen (5): [[Levofloxacin]] 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
::::*Preferred regimen (6): [[Cefazolin]] 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14  {{and}} [[Tobramycin]] 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
 
:::*'''2.5 Anaerobes'''
 
::::*Preferred regimen (1): [[Ciprofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
::::*Preferred regimen (2): [[Ofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
::::*Preferred regimen (3): [[Levofloxacin]] 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
<br>
:*Fungal (mycotic) keratitis<ref name="pmid17496570">{{cite journal| author=Thomas PA, Geraldine P| title=Infectious keratitis. | journal=Curr Opin Infect Dis | year= 2007 | volume= 20 | issue= 2 | pages= 129-41 | pmid=17496570 | doi=10.1097/QCO.0b013e328017f878 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17496570  }} </ref>
::*1. Causative Pathogens.
:::*Candida spp.
:::*Fusarium spp.
:::*Aspergillus spp.
:::*Curvularia spp.
::*'''2. Empiric antimicrobial therapy'''
:::* Preferred regimen (1): [[Natamycin]] 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks
:::* Preferred regimen (2): [[Fluconazole]] 1% ophthalmic suspension q1h for 2-3 weeks
:::* Preferred regimen (3): [[Natamycin]] 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks {{and}} [[Fluconazole]] 1% ophthalmic suspension q1h for 2-3 weeks
:::* Alternative regimen (1), unresponsive: [[Amphotericin B]] 0.15-0.25% prepared in distilled water q15min-q30min on day 1-2 then q1h to q2h for 2-3 weeks
:::*Alternative regimen (2), unresponsive: [[Natamycin]] 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks {{and}} [[Amphotericin B]] 0.15-0.25% prepared in distilled water q15min-q30min on day 1-2 then q1h to q2h for 2-3 weeks
::*'''3. Special considerations'''
:::*Immunocompromised status, spreading ulcer, impending perforation, true perforation
::::*Preferred regimen (1): [[Natamycin]] 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks {{and}} [[Fluconazole]] 1% ophthalmic suspension q1h for 2-3 weeks {{and}} ([[Ketoconazole]] IV 200-400 mg q12h for 2-3 weeks {{or}} [[Fluconazole]] IV 200 mg q12h for 2-3 weeks
::::*Preferred regimen (2): [[Natamycin]] 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks {{and}} [[Amphotericin B]] 0.15-0.25% prepared in distilled water q15min-q30min on day 1-2 then q1h to q2h for 2-3 weeks {{and}} ([[Ketoconazole]] IV 200-400 mg q12h for 2-3 weeks {{or}} [[Fluconazole]] IV 200 mg q12h for 2-3 weeks
::::*Note: Bacterial superinfection must be treated using [[Ciprofloxacin]] 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14 {{or}} ([[Cefazolin]] 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14  {{and}} [[Tobramycin]] 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14)
<br>
:*Protozoal keratitis<ref name="pmid17496570">{{cite journal| author=Thomas PA, Geraldine P| title=Infectious keratitis. | journal=Curr Opin Infect Dis | year= 2007 | volume= 20 | issue= 2 | pages= 129-41 | pmid=17496570 | doi=10.1097/QCO.0b013e328017f878 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17496570  }} </ref><ref name="pmid19660733">{{cite journal| author=Dart JK, Saw VP, Kilvington S| title=Acanthamoeba keratitis: diagnosis and treatment update 2009. | journal=Am J Ophthalmol | year= 2009 | volume= 148 | issue= 4 | pages= 487-499.e2 | pmid=19660733 | doi=10.1016/j.ajo.2009.06.009 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19660733  }} </ref>
::*'''1. Causative pathogens'''
:::*Acanthamoeba spp.
:::*Microsporidia spp.
::* '''2. Empiric antimicrobial therapy'''
:::* Preferred regimen (1): [[Polyhexamethylene biguanide]] 0.02% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks {{and}} [[Chlorhexidine]] 0.02% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks {{and}}/{{or}} ([[Propamidine]] 0.1% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks {{or}} [[Hexamidine]] 0.1% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 2 days then q1h for another 3 days)
:::* Preferred regimen (2): [[Propamidine]] 0.1% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks {{and}} [[Polyhexamethylene biguanide]] 0.02% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks
 
:::* Preferred regimen (4): [[Propamidine]] ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks {{and}} [[Chlorhexidine]] ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks
:::* Preferred regimen (4): [[Polyhexamethylene biguanide]] 0.02% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks {{and}} [[Hexamidine]] 0.1% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 2 days then q1h for another 3 days
<br>
:*Viral keratitis<ref name="pmid17496570">{{cite journal| author=Thomas PA, Geraldine P| title=Infectious keratitis. | journal=Curr Opin Infect Dis | year= 2007 | volume= 20 | issue= 2 | pages= 129-41 | pmid=17496570 | doi=10.1097/QCO.0b013e328017f878 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17496570  }} </ref>
::*'''1. Causative pathogens'''
 
:::*Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
::*'''2. Empiric antimicrobial therapy'''
 
:::*Preferred regimen (1): [[Acyclovir]] 3% ophthalmic ointment q5h for 2-3 weeks {{and}} [[Homatropine]] 2% ophthalmic solution bid for 2-3 weeks
:::*Preferred regimen (2): [[Idoxuridine]] 0.1% ophthalmic solution q1h in daytime and 0.5% ophthalmic ointment qhs for 1 week then 0.1% ophthalmic solution q2h in daytime and 0.5% ophthalmic ointment qhs for 2-3 weeks {{and}} [[Homatropine]] 2% ophthalmic solution bid for 2-3 weeks





Revision as of 20:37, 11 August 2015

Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamed Moubarak, M.D. [2]

Overview

Keratitis is a condition in which the eye's cornea is inflamed.

Types

Superficial keratitis involves the superficial layers of the cornea. After healing, this form of keratitis does not generally leave a scar.

Deep keratitis involves deeper layers of the cornea, leaving a scar upon healing that impairs vision if on or near the visual axis.

Causes

Keratitis has multiple causes, one of which is an infection of a present or previous herpes simplex virus secondary to an upper respiratory infection, involving cold sores.

Pathogens

  • Amoebic keratitis. Amoebic infection of the cornea is the most serious corneal infection, usually affecting soft contact lens wearers. It is usually caused by Acanthamoeba. On May 25, 2007, the CDC issued a health advisory due to increased risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK)infection associated with use of Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Complete Moisture Plus Multi-Purpose eye solution. See CDC Advisory
  • Bacterial keratitis. Bacterial infection of the cornea can follow from an injury or from wearing contact lenses. The bacteriums usually involved are Staphylococcus aureus and for contact lens wearers Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Fungal keratitis (cf. Fusarium, causing recent incidences of keratitis through the possible vector of Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution)
  • Viral keratitis

Other

Symptoms

The symptoms are often very similar to those of conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, and photophobia. The eye turns very red and there may be sensitivity to light, and the eye may feel uncomfortable. In the later stages of more severe cases, there can be strong pain, loss of vision/blurriness, and pus may form.

Diagnosis

Effective diagnosis is important in detecting this condition and subsequent treatment as keratitis is sometimes mistaken for an allergic conjunctivitis.


Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the keratitis.

  • 1. Empiric antimicrobial therapy
  • Preferred regimen (1): Ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (2): Ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (3): Levofloxacin 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (4): Moxifloxacin 0.5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (5): Gatifloxacin 0.3% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (6): Cefazolin 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 AND Tobramycin 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 OR Gentamicin 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14)
  • Alternative regimen (1), unresponsive keratitis: Vancomycin 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 AND Amikacin 5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Alternative regimen (2): Erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment qhs for 1 week AND (Amikacin 5% AND/OR Vancomycin 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14)
  • Note (1) : Subconjunctival antibiotics may be helpful where there is imminent scleral spread or perforation or in cases where adherence to the treatment regimen is questionable.
  • Note (2) : Systemic therapy is necessary for suspected gonococcal infection.
  • 2 Pathogen-directed antimicrobial therapy
  • 2.1 Non-streptococcal gram-positive bacteria
  • Preferred regimen (1): Moxifloxacin 0.5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (2): Gatifloxacin 0.3% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (3): Ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (4): Ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (5): Levofloxacin 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (6): Cefazolin 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 AND Tobramycin 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • 2.2 Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Preferred regimen (1): Moxifloxacin 0.5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (2): Gatifloxacin 0.3% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (3): Ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (4): Ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (5): Levofloxacin 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (6): Cefazolin 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 AND Tobramycin 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
Alternative regimen, unresponsive keratitis: Vancomycin 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 AND Amikacin 5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • 2.3 Nocardia spp.
  • Preferred regimen (1): Vancomycin 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 AND Amikacin 5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (2): Erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment qhs for 1 week AND (Amikacin 5% AND/OR Vancomycin 5% q30 min on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14)
  • 2.4 Gram-negative bacteria
  • Preferred regimen (1): Moxifloxacin 0.5% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (2): Gatifloxacin 0.3% q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (3): Ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (4): Ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (5): Levofloxacin 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (6): Cefazolin 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 AND Tobramycin 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14
  • 2.5 Anaerobes
  • Preferred regimen (1): Ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14
  • Preferred regimen (2): Ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (3): Levofloxacin 1.5% ophthalmic ointment q2h for 2-3 weeks


  • Fungal (mycotic) keratitis[1]
  • 1. Causative Pathogens.
  • Candida spp.
  • Fusarium spp.
  • Aspergillus spp.
  • Curvularia spp.
  • 2. Empiric antimicrobial therapy
  • Preferred regimen (1): Natamycin 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (2): Fluconazole 1% ophthalmic suspension q1h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (3): Natamycin 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks AND Fluconazole 1% ophthalmic suspension q1h for 2-3 weeks
  • Alternative regimen (1), unresponsive: Amphotericin B 0.15-0.25% prepared in distilled water q15min-q30min on day 1-2 then q1h to q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • Alternative regimen (2), unresponsive: Natamycin 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks AND Amphotericin B 0.15-0.25% prepared in distilled water q15min-q30min on day 1-2 then q1h to q2h for 2-3 weeks
  • 3. Special considerations
  • Immunocompromised status, spreading ulcer, impending perforation, true perforation
  • Preferred regimen (1): Natamycin 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks AND Fluconazole 1% ophthalmic suspension q1h for 2-3 weeks AND (Ketoconazole IV 200-400 mg q12h for 2-3 weeks OR Fluconazole IV 200 mg q12h for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (2): Natamycin 5% ophthalmic suspension q30min to q1h for 2-3 weeks AND Amphotericin B 0.15-0.25% prepared in distilled water q15min-q30min on day 1-2 then q1h to q2h for 2-3 weeks AND (Ketoconazole IV 200-400 mg q12h for 2-3 weeks OR Fluconazole IV 200 mg q12h for 2-3 weeks
  • Note: Bacterial superinfection must be treated using Ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic ointment q15min for 6 hours then q30min for the remainder of day 1 then q1h on day 2, then q4h on days 3-14 OR (Cefazolin 5% q30min to q1h on day 1 then q1h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14 AND Tobramycin 5% ophthalmic ointment q1h on day 1 then q2h on day 2 then q4h on days 3-14)


  • 1. Causative pathogens
  • Acanthamoeba spp.
  • Microsporidia spp.
  • 2. Empiric antimicrobial therapy
  • Preferred regimen (4): Propamidine ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks AND Chlorhexidine ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (4): Polyhexamethylene biguanide 0.02% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 1-2 weeks AND Hexamidine 0.1% ophthalmic ointment q1h for 2 days then q1h for another 3 days


  • Viral keratitis[1]
  • 1. Causative pathogens
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
  • 2. Empiric antimicrobial therapy
  • Preferred regimen (1): Acyclovir 3% ophthalmic ointment q5h for 2-3 weeks AND Homatropine 2% ophthalmic solution bid for 2-3 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (2): Idoxuridine 0.1% ophthalmic solution q1h in daytime and 0.5% ophthalmic ointment qhs for 1 week then 0.1% ophthalmic solution q2h in daytime and 0.5% ophthalmic ointment qhs for 2-3 weeks AND Homatropine 2% ophthalmic solution bid for 2-3 weeks



Contraindicated medications

Epithelial herpes simplex keratitis is considered an absolute contraindication to the use of the following medications:

See also

External links


de:Keratitis hr:Keratitis it:Cheratite nl:Keratitis uk:Кератит


Template:WikiDoc Sources

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Thomas PA, Geraldine P (2007). "Infectious keratitis". Curr Opin Infect Dis. 20 (2): 129–41. doi:10.1097/QCO.0b013e328017f878. PMID 17496570.
  2. Dart JK, Saw VP, Kilvington S (2009). "Acanthamoeba keratitis: diagnosis and treatment update 2009". Am J Ophthalmol. 148 (4): 487–499.e2. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2009.06.009. PMID 19660733.