Keratoconjunctivitis
1578675
225162697
2008-07-12T05:59:03Z
Bowlhover
675882
comment about antibiotics is not helpful; arc eye obviously does not involve bacteria
{{DiseaseDisorder infobox |
Name = Keratoconjunctivitis |
ICD10 = H16.2 |
ICD9 = {{ICD9|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 (season)|spring]], and is usually considered to be due to [[allergen]]s.
* "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, as the inflammation usually heals after 24-48 hours. Proper eye protection should be worn to prevent keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica.
==External links==
* [http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/nord/nord562.htm BC Health Guide -- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis]
* [http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic102.htm eMedicine -- on Atopic keratoconjunctivitis]
* [http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic677.htm eMedicine -- on Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis]
{{eye-stub}}
{{Eye pathology}}
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]