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The cornea is subject to infection, noninfectious inflammation, ulceration, mechanical damage, and environmental injury. Infection (keratitis), frequently with secondary conjunctivitis, can be due to viruses, bacteria, Acanthamoeba, or fungi. Ulceration usually represents progression of keratitis. Symptoms that suggest corneal involvement rather than simple conjunctivitis include pain, particularly with exposure to light, and slight impairment of vision. Evaluation of the cornea requires slit-lamp examination and sometimes microbial studies.

Last full review/revision October 2008 by Melvin I. Roat, MD. FACS

Content last modified October 2008