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Interstitial keratitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Interstitial keratitis is the inflammation of the connective tissue of the cornea (the clear window on the front of the eye), which can lead to vision loss.

Alternative Names:

Keratitis interstitial

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Interstitial keratitis is a serious condition, in which blood vessels grow into the cornea. Such growth can cause loss of the normal transparency (clarity) of the cornea. This condition is often caused by infections and may cause severe visual problems.

Syphilis is the most common cause of interstitial keratitis, but rare causes include leprosy and tuberculosis . Most cases in the developed world occur in patients with fully established syphilis.

In the US, most cases of syphilis are recognized and treated before they reach this stage. However, interstitial keratitis is the most common cause of blindness in the world, with cases caused by trachoma and onchocerciasis (river blindness) being very common in parts of Asia and Africa.

• Review Date: 9/1/2006
• Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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