Keratopathy Causes

Keratopathy is an illness that results in visual problems and difficulties with healing injuries and damage to the eyes and cornea. This condition, which occurs in individuals with diabetes and other illnesses, is a degenerative disease and gets worse over time. People who have this condition rarely realize it because there is no visual change in their eyes. However, they may experience decreased tearing ability or have powdery white or brownish deposits around the edges of their eyes.

Infection

• According to Robert Graham, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic and Mark Hendrix, M.D., from the Shady Grove Hospital, there are several infections that may lead to the development of keratopathy. These include herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Both of the herpes viruses can settle in the eyes. Another infection that may lead to this illness is leprosy, which is uncommon in developed countries but more common in subtropical regions of Asia.

Systemic Diseases

• Dr. Graham and Dr. Hendrix indicate that the presence of systemic diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS) and vitamin A deficiency can cause keratopathy. Other illnesses such as systemic lupus also can contribute to the development of the ailment. Diabetes may be the primary reason for developing keratopathy, or it may be a secondary cause of the ailment.

Medications

• A number of topical medications can significantly contribute to the development of keratopathy in individuals. Dr. Graham and Dr. Hendrix state that these medications include topical anesthesia mediations such as timolol, betaxolol, sulfacetamide, ketorolac and diclofenac sodium. Often, if a topical anesthetic is used for an eye injury and a person then presents with keratopathy, the immediate suspicion should be incorrect use of the anesthesia.

Chemical Burns

• According to Dr. Graham and Dr. Hendrix, another reason for the development of keratopathy includes chemical burns on the eyes and cornea. Chemicals can affect the eyes toxically and reduce the eye's natural ability to tear and react to natural changes in the eye. Individuals who work in environments with a high chance of chemical burns and toxic exposure should take measures to protect their eyes: wear safety goggles and have eye wash stations readily available at the work site.

General Causes

• Although there are many outstanding factors that can contribute to the development of keratopathy, there are also generalized factors. Dr. Graham and Dr. Hendrix state these include natural aging, which may result in less flexibility in the body to recover from injuries and illnesses. Another is having a dark eye color, such as brown, dark brown or black. Another factor in developing keratopathy is having Adie syndrome, a neurological disorder that affects eye pupils.