Cornea

Microbial Keratitis

Also known as: corneal ulcer, bacterial keratitis, corneal infection, contact lens keratitis, corneal infiltrate, infectious keratitis, pseudomonas keratitis, acanthamoeba keratitis

Clinical decision support only

OptoGuide™ supports professional judgement and does not diagnose or replace clinician responsibility.

Overview

Infection of the corneal stroma — a sight-threatening ophthalmic emergency. Contact lens wear is the leading risk factor in developed countries. Presents with pain, photophobia, diffuse injection, anterior chamber reaction, and a visible white corneal infiltrate or ulceration over infiltrate. Requires immediate ophthalmology referral. Do NOT instil topical steroids.

What OptoGuide™ covers for microbial keratitis

Recognition patterns — symptoms, signs, and differentiators
Don't-miss risks and escalation triggers
Management tiers with linked Australian therapeutics
Referral urgency, specialty, and letter drafting

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