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This page is general patient education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend specific treatments for you, or replace a conversation with your eye care provider. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about your eye health.
Microbial keratitis is infection of the cornea by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. It's a same-day emergency — fast treatment protects vision.
What helps
Here's the plan — and why it works.
Day one
Corneal scraping for culture
Identifies the organism so treatment can be targeted. Often treatment is started before results — too urgent to wait.
Standard
Frequent fortified antibiotics
For bacterial keratitis, often two fortified antibiotic drops alternating every 30–60 minutes around the clock at first, tapered over weeks as the infection clears.
If fungal
Antifungal therapy
Topical natamycin or voriconazole, sometimes plus oral antifungal. Fungal keratitis heals more slowly than bacterial.
If acanthamoeba
Specialist care
Months of polyhexamethylene biguanide and chlorhexidine drops, often by a cornea specialist. Pain is severe and treatment is prolonged.
Same-day emergency if
You have eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurry vision — especially as a contact lens wearer, after slept-in lenses, or after water exposure with lenses on. This is not a wait-and-see situation.
Common questions
Honest answers to common questions.
Will I lose my eye?+
Almost never with prompt treatment. Severe, deep, or central infections may leave scarring that affects vision — sometimes correctable with a corneal transplant.
Can I treat this at home?+
No. Microbial keratitis requires identifying the organism and using prescription-strength medications. OTC drops won't help and may delay diagnosis.
Why did I get this from my contacts?+
Contacts can trap bacteria against the cornea. The biggest risk factors are sleeping in contacts, exposing them to water (including showering), and not replacing them on schedule.
Can I have LASIK later?+
Possibly, after the infection fully heals and your cornea is stable. Your surgeon will evaluate scarring and corneal shape before recommending refractive surgery.
How long does treatment last?+
Bacterial: typically 2–6 weeks. Fungal: 2–3 months or longer. Acanthamoeba: often 6–12 months. Follow-up exams are frequent at first, less so as healing progresses.