Toxic keratitis : A fairly frequent entity characterized by toxicity of the corneal epithelium , caused by exposure to chemical substances ( alcohol , solvents) or topical drugs ( gentamicin , antivirals).
Summary
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- 1 Symptoms
- 2 Critical sign
- 3 Other signs
- 4 Diagnostic protocol
- 5 Treatment protocol
- 6 Follow-up
- 7 Sources
Symptoms
- Red eye.
- Tearing.
- Photophobia.
- Blurry vision.
- Decreased vision.
Critical sign
- Superficial dotted keratitis, which is seen as a fine dotted line that occupies the entire cornea.
Other signs
- Eyelid edema.
- Chemosis.
- Cilioconjunctival injection.
Diagnostic protocol
- History: history of exposure to chemical substances, or topical use of medications, generally for a long time and frequency.
- Biomicroscopy of the anterior segment, in slit lamp, with fluorescein staining: fine stippling on the entire corneal surface.
- If chemical exposure is suspected, check tear pH and if not neutral, treat as a chemical burn (see Cornealburn ).
Treatment protocol
- Eliminate the cause (suspend the topical medicine (s)).
- Fresh growths of saline, 3 times a day for 10 min.
- Oral antihistamines1 tablet every 8 hours.
- No occlusion.
Tracing
- Weekly, until improvement is observed.
- Then monthly until full cure.