Keratoconjunctivitis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Keratoconjunctivitis Classification and external resources |
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| ICD-10 | H16.2 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 370.40 |
Keratoconjunctivitis is inflammation ("itis") of the cornea and conjunctiva.
When only the cornea is inflamed, it is called keratitis; when only the conjunctiva is inflamed, it is called conjunctivitis.
There are several potential causes of the inflammation:
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is used when the inflammation is due to dryness. ("Sicca" means "dryness" in medical contexts.)
- The term "Vernal keratoconjunctivitis" (VKC) is used to refer to keratoconjunctivitis occurring in spring, and is usually considered to be due to allergens.
- "Atopic keratoconjunctivitis" is one manifestation of atopy.
- "Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis" is caused by an adenovirus infection.
- "Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis" (IBK) is a disease affecting cattle caused by the bacteria Moraxella bovis.
- "Superior limbic keratoconjuctivitis" is thought to be caused by mechanical trauma.
- "Keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica" (arc eye) means inflammation caused by UV light. This can be caused, by example, by welding without wearing protective eye glass. The inflammation will only appear after about 6 to 12 hours. It can be treated by rest (it usually heals within 24 to 48 hours). Additionally, one can wear sunglasses. Antibiotics are not proven to be helpful, however oxybuprocaine may help.
[edit] External links
- BC Health Guide -- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
- eMedicine -- on Atopic keratoconjunctivitis
- eMedicine -- on Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis
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