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]]