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Keratoconjunctivitis is a term that combines two conditions: keratitis and conjunctivitis. "Keratitis" is inflammation of the cornea, the clear front dome of the eye. "Conjunctivitis" is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white of the eye. So, keratoconjunctivitis is when both of these parts of the eye are inflamed at the same time.
read more about keratoconjunctivitis ...Because it affects both the cornea and conjunctiva, symptoms can be more severe than simple pink eye. Common signs include a red eye, a gritty feeling like sand is in the eye, and pain. Other symptoms are sensitivity to bright light, blurry vision, and excessive tearing or discharge.
There are several different causes of keratoconjunctivitis. The most common type is Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, which is the medical term for dry eye syndrome. Other types include allergic keratoconjunctivitis, caused by allergens like pollen, and infectious forms. Viral keratoconjunctivitis is caused by a virus and is highly contagious, while bacterial keratoconjunctivitis is caused by bacteria.
The treatment for keratoconjunctivitis depends completely on its cause. If it is from dry eye, the main treatment is lubricating eye drops (artificial tears). For allergies, antihistamine drops are used. A bacterial infection requires antibiotic eye drops. Viral forms do not have a cure and must run their course, with treatment focused on relieving symptoms.
One of the most aggressive forms of this condition is Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). It is caused by the same family of viruses that cause the common cold (adenovirus). Unlike mild pink eye, EKC is incredibly robust the virus can survive on doorknobs and towels for weeks. It attacks both the surface and the deeper corneal tissues, often leaving behind small, round cloudy spots (infiltrates) that can blur vision for months after the redness fades.
In severe cases, the inflammation is so intense that the eye creates a "pseudomembrane." This is a layer of inflammatory debris and fibrin that sticks to the underside of the eyelid. It looks like a thin, yellow-white sheet. Doctors often have to peel this membrane away with tweezers to allow eye drops to work effectively and to prevent the lid from scarring.
It is related but more serious. Pink eye only involves the conjunctiva. Keratoconjunctivitis also involves the cornea, which is why it can cause pain, light sensitivity, and blurry vision.
If the cause is a virus or bacteria, then it is very contagious. You should wash your hands often and avoid sharing towels. If the cause is dry eye or allergies, it is not contagious.
Yes, if it is not treated properly. Severe inflammation of the cornea can lead to scarring, which can cause permanent vision loss. This is why it is important to see a doctor.
You should see an eye doctor if your red eye is accompanied by pain, significant light sensitivity, or blurry vision. These symptoms suggest the cornea is involved, which requires a doctor's care. Proper diagnosis is needed to get the right treatment and prevent any long-term damage to your sight.
1. Keratoconjunctivitis: Types, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23551-keratoconjunctivitis. March 18, 2025.
2. Dry Eye Syndrome: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000426.htm. October 2, 2024.
3. Allergic Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/allergic-conjunctivitis. August 7, 2024.
4. How to Treat Pink Eye. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/treatment/index.html. April 15, 2024.
5. Preventing Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/hcp/infection-control-ekc/index.html. April 15, 2024.