What puts you at risk for keratitis?
There are several factors that can increase your chances of developing keratitis. One of the main risk factors is wearing contact lenses, especially if you wear them for long periods of time. This is because contact lenses can create an environment that is conducive to infection and inflammation of the cornea.
Having reduced immunity also puts you at a higher risk for keratitis. When your immune system is weakened, your cornea becomes more vulnerable to infections and inflammation.
Eye injuries can also increase the risk of both infectious and non-infectious keratitis. Any trauma to the eye can damage the cornea and make it more susceptible to infection.
Additionally, the use of corticosteroid eyedrops can raise the likelihood of developing keratitis. These eyedrops can suppress the immune system and make the cornea more susceptible to infections.
Effects of a Warm Climate on Keratitis
Living in a warm and humid climate can have a significant impact on the development of keratitis. These regions provide the perfect breeding ground for this eye condition, especially when combined with the presence of lush vegetation. The abundance of plant life in such areas increases the risk of keratitis as plant material can inadvertently enter the eye, leading to scratches on the corneal epithelium. Once the cornea is scratched, harmful chemicals released by the plants can invade the wound, causing an infection that can potentially develop into keratitis.