The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that helps focus light and protect the inner eye structures. Infections of the cornea – collectively referred to as infectious keratitis – can cause pain, redness, light sensitivity, reduced vision, and in severe cases, permanent damage to the eye.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical, as infectious keratitis can progress rapidly and, if untreated, may lead to scarring, perforation, or vision loss.
Infectious keratitis occurs when microorganisms – such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses – invade the corneal tissue. The condition typically results in inflammation, ulceration (a loss of corneal tissue), and disruption of the eye’s natural protective barriers.
The risk is higher in people who wear contact lenses, have had prior eye surgery, have suffered trauma to the eye, or have pre-existing surface diseases that compromise the tear film or corneal epithelium.
Infectious keratitis can be caused by several different types of microorganisms:
Each type of pathogen may require a different treatment approach, and often, the exact cause isn’t immediately clear. This makes laboratory testing and clinical judgment critical in managing the condition.
Treating infectious keratitis is complex for several reasons:
Because the infection often compromises the structural integrity of the cornea, additional interventions may be required to support healing and prevent complications.
In selected cases where standard antimicrobial therapy is insufficient, PACK-CXL (Photoactivated Chromophore for Keratitis – Corneal Cross-Linking) may be used as an adjunctive treatment.
PACK-CXL involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) to the infected cornea and then activating it with UV-A light. This produces reactive oxygen species that can damage pathogens directly and increase the cornea’s resistance to enzymatic breakdown. While it does not replace antimicrobial eye drops, it may help control infections and stabilize the cornea when used as part of a broader treatment strategy.
The ELZA Institute has contributed significantly to the scientific understanding and clinical development of PACK-CXL, and it is available for selected cases at our center.
Learn more about this treatment here: PACK-CXL for Keratitis
Infectious keratitis is a vision-threatening emergency that requires expert diagnosis and tailored treatment. The wide range of possible pathogens – bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic – makes management challenging, and in some cases, traditional therapies are not sufficient.
At the ELZA Institute, we combine thorough diagnostic evaluation with evidence-informed treatment approaches, including PACK-CXL when indicated, to help preserve vision and restore corneal health.
If you are experiencing symptoms of eye infection – pain, redness, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light – please seek immediate ophthalmologic care.
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