Corneal Imaging of Infectious Keratitis

 Infectious keratitis defined by the presence of a corneal epithelial defect and underlying stromal inflammation may be caused by various organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. The incidence of infectious keratitis per 100,000 population is estimated at 11 in the US and is higher in other countries. In addition to pain and discomfort frequently accompanying these conditions, patients are at risk for corneal scarring and subsequent loss of vision.  This may occur despite timely and aggressive treatment with anti-microbial agents.  Although many risk factors have been defined, and various diagnostic and treatment modalities have been established, it would be beneficial to elucidate the histopathologic changes occurring in these conditions. The potential alterations in corneal nerves and immune modulating cells may help clarify the disease process in infectious keratitis. The aim of this research is to study and compare the in vivo morphology and density of corneal nerves, immune cells, keratocytes, epithelial and endothelial cells in fungal, acanthamoeba, bacterial and adenoviral keratitis. 

 
Participation in this study requires corneal imaging to be performed once in conjunction with a regularly scheduled office visit.
 

For more information contact Whitney Howe at (617) 391-5894 or whitney_howe@meei.harvard.edu