Superficial punctate keratitis by optometry fans site, definition of SPK, causes of superficial punctate keratitis, symptoms of superficial punctate keratitis, treatment of superficial punctate keratitis, management and treatment of SPK

1. Superficial Punctate
keratitis
Optometry fans

2. Superficial punctate keratitis
Superficial punctate keratitis is an eye
disorder caused by death of small groups of
cells on the surface of the cornea.

4. Causes of SPK
● A viral infection
● A bacterial infection (including trachoma)
● Dry eyes
● Strong chemicals splashed in the eye
● Exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight or welding )
● Prolonged use of contact lenses
● An allergy to eye drops
● Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
● Bell palsy

5. Symptoms of SPK
In superficial punctate keratitis, the eyes are
usually painful, watery, sensitive to bright light,
and vision may be slightly blurred.
Often there is a burning, gritty feeling or a feeling
as if a foreign object is trapped in the eye.

6. Sign of SPK
SPK can be visualized by staining the eye
with a dye and looking under high
magnification and a bright light

8. Treatment of SPK
The treatment of SPK varies depending on
what caused it. An eye doctor will determine
the underlying cause based on clinical
findings, symptoms, and medical history.

9. SPK associated with Dry eye
syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is usually treated with artificial
tears and ointment at night. For more severe
cases, an eye doctor may recommend
prescription eye drops such as cyclosporine that
increase tear production

10. Treatment of SPK associated with
blepharitis
Blepharitis is often treated with warm
compresses and lid scrubs.
Artificial tears and antibiotics may also be
recommended.

11. Treatment of SPK associated with
bacterial infection
Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotic
drops or treatments. It is important to finish the
full course of treatment to prevent the infection
from recurring.

12. Treatment of SPK associated with
allergic reaction
These conditions are treated by removing the agent
that is causing the allergy. Antihistamines and other
eye drops that treat allergies may be prescribed. In
severe cases, a short course of corticosteroid drops
may be needed to treat a severe reaction.

13. Treatment of SPK associated
with contact lenses
This is usually treated by discontinuing contact
lens wear and treatment with artificial tears, or
steroid and antibiotic drops. Once the SPK has
healed, the individual can be refit for contact
lenses.

14. Treatment of SPK associated with
chemical burn
A chemical burn should be flushed promptly
with water for at least 20 minutes and
treated as a medical emergency.

15. Treatment of SPK associated UV light
UV keratitis is treated with artificial tears,
ointment and oral pain medication. The cornea will
commonly heal within one to three days.

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