Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Keratitis) that could possibly cause Keratitis includes:
The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Keratitis that are listed by the Diseases Database:
Other conditions that might have Keratitis as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Keratitis. Our database lists the following as having Keratitis as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Keratitis as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Keratitis. Our database lists the following as having Keratitis as a symptom of that condition:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Keratitis may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Keratitis.
The most common cause of keratitis is infection by herpes simplex virus, type 1 (known as dendritic corneal ulcer because of a characteristic branched lesion of the cornea resembling the veins of a leaf). Bacterial corneal ulcers frequently occur as a result of an infected corneal abrasion or a contaminated contact lens. Fungal keratitis is more frequently encountered in tropical climates. Poor lid closure can result in exposure keratitis. Chemicals accidentally splashed into the eye and exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlamps, sunlight, or welding arcs) also can produce keratitis. Vaccinial keratitis may result when the patient has red eye or periocular vesicles coinciding with a history of recent vaccine exposure (such as smallpox vaccination or close contact with a vaccine recipient).
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Keratitis may result from exposure (as in Bell’s palsy where the eyelids don’t close), wearing contact lenses for prolonged periods (overnight), or corneal trauma. It may also result from infection by herpes simplex virus, type 1 (known as dendritic keratitis because of a characteristic branched lesion of the cornea resembling the veins of a leaf). Less commonly, it stems from bacterial or fungal infection; rarely, from congenital syphilis.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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