Microbial Keratitis: Why a Corneal Infection Is an Emergency
A corneal infection — microbial keratitis — can advance quickly and threaten sight within days. It is one of the few eye problems that is a true emergency, and contact-lens wearers are most at risk. Recognising it early protects your vision.
Warning signs to act on
- Eye pain that worsens over hours to days
- Redness, watering and marked light sensitivity
- Blurred or dropping vision
- A white or grey spot on the cornea, or discharge
Do not wait, and do not self-treat with old or steroid drops.
Who is most at risk
Contact-lens wearers — especially with overnight wear, poor hygiene or swimming in lenses — and those with an eye injury (particularly from plants or organic matter) or existing surface disease.
Why speed matters
The cornea has no blood supply, so infections can progress fast and may scar. Early, targeted treatment — sometimes after a corneal scraping to identify the organism — greatly improves the outcome.
Frequently asked questions
I wear contact lenses and my eye hurts — what should I do?
Remove the lens, keep it and its case for possible testing, and seek a same-day eye assessment. Do not put the lens back in.
Can a corneal infection heal on its own?
A true microbial keratitis needs prompt, targeted treatment — leaving it risks scarring or progression.
This article is for general awareness and does not replace consultation with an eye specialist. For a painful red eye with reduced vision, seek care urgently.
Related: Microbial Keratitis Treatment · Contact Lens Clinic · Emergency Eye Care · Book an appointment
This article is for general awareness and does not replace a consultation with an eye specialist.
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