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Microbial Keratitis Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jayadatt D. Patel — MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), FCRS · Last reviewed June 2026

Microbial keratitis is an infection of the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or, less commonly, a parasite called Acanthamoeba. It is a potentially sight-threatening condition that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment. With early, appropriate care, most infections can be controlled and vision protected.

Important: A painful, red eye with blurred vision — especially in a contact-lens wearer or after an eye injury — should be assessed by an eye specialist urgently. Do not wait, and do not self-treat with old or steroid eye drops.

Symptoms to take seriously

Eye pain, often worsening over hours to days
Redness and watering
Blurred or reduced vision
Marked sensitivity to light
A white or grey spot on the cornea
Discharge or a feeling of something in the eye

Who is most at risk

Contact-lens wearers — especially with overnight wear, poor hygiene, or swimming in lenses
Eye injury, particularly with vegetable or organic matter (a risk for fungal infection)
Pre-existing ocular surface disease or severe dry eye
Previous eye surgery or long-term steroid eye-drop use
Reduced immunity

Why it is an emergency

The cornea has no blood supply, so infections can advance quickly and may leave a scar that affects vision. Aggressive infections can threaten the eye itself. Early treatment greatly improves the chance of a good outcome, which is why timely specialist assessment is essential.

How it is diagnosed

Diagnosis is made by careful slit-lamp examination of the cornea. In significant or atypical cases, a corneal scraping is taken for microbiology (smear and culture) to identify the organism and guide targeted treatment. Accurate identification matters because bacterial, fungal, viral and Acanthamoeba infections are treated very differently.

Treatment

Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity:

Intensive antimicrobial eye drops — frequent, sometimes hourly, fortified antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral drops depending on the organism.
Close monitoring — frequent review in the early days to confirm the infection is responding; treatment is adjusted as culture results arrive.
Supportive measures — stopping contact-lens wear, pain control, and managing any underlying surface disease.
Surgery when needed — in severe or non-healing infections, procedures ranging from corneal gluing to a therapeutic corneal transplant may be required to save the eye and restore the surface.

Protecting your eyes — prevention

Follow contact-lens hygiene strictly; never sleep in lenses unless specifically advised, and never swim or shower in them
Replace lenses and cases as recommended; never top up old solution
Seek care early for any eye injury, especially from plants or organic material
Do not use leftover or steroid eye drops without specialist advice

Frequently asked questions

Can a corneal infection heal on its own?

It should not be left to chance. Some mild surface problems settle, but a true microbial keratitis needs prompt, targeted treatment to prevent scarring or progression.

Will it leave a scar?

Some infections heal with a scar that may affect vision, depending on size and location. Early treatment reduces this risk; established scars can sometimes be treated later with a corneal transplant.

I wear contact lenses and my eye hurts — what should I do?

Remove the lens, keep it (and the case) for possible testing, and seek an urgent eye assessment the same day. Do not put the lens back in.

This information is for general awareness and does not replace urgent consultation with an eye specialist. If you have a painful red eye with reduced vision, seek care without delay.

Slit-lamp examination of the cornea

Cost & payment options

The cost of Microbial Keratitis Treatment depends on your eyes, the technology and any lens or implant chosen, and your individual clinical needs. We give you a clear, written estimate after your examination — with no obligation — and explain exactly what is included.

Clear written estimate after assessment — no hidden charges
EMI / instalment options on eligible procedures
Have health insurance or an Ayushman Bharat card? Ask us how it may apply.

Request a cost estimate on WhatsApp Call +91 92748 67875

We don't list fixed prices because the right treatment — and therefore the cost — varies from patient to patient.

Why Balaji Horizon

Care you can trust

Specialist surgeon

Fellowship-trained cornea, refractive & cataract surgeon.

Advanced technology

First in Gujarat with ANTERION & SPECTRALIS (GMPE).

Ethical, honest care

Evidence-based, individualised advice — no overtreatment.

Two locations

Convenient care at Science City & Naranpura, Ahmedabad.

$Dr. Jayadatt Patel, Cornea, Refractive and Cataract Surgeon at Balaji Horizon Eye Hospital$

Your Surgeon

Dr. Jayadatt Patel

MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), FCRS — Cornea, Refractive & Ocular Surface Surgeon

Founder & Director of Balaji Horizon Eye Hospital and Consultant Cornea & Refractive Surgeon at C.H. Nagri Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad. Dr. Patel focuses on accurate diagnosis, vision preservation and individualised, ethical care.

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