Can I just stop wearing my contacts and wait?

Removing lenses is step one — but a painful, light-sensitive or white-spotted eye needs same-day examination, not waiting.

Will keratitis scar my vision?

Caught early, most cases settle without lasting damage; delay is what lets central scars form. That is why we treat it quickly.

How do I keep keratitis from happening again?

No sleeping or showering in lenses, fresh solution nightly, cases replaced monthly — and dryness treated so the surface defends itself.

What causes keratitis?

Either infection (bacteria, viruses such as herpes simplex, fungi, or the amoeba Acanthamoeba, found in tap water and lakes) or inflammation without infection, from dry eye, wearing contact lenses too long, an eye injury or too much UV light. Contact lenses raise the risk, especially if you sleep or swim in them, rinse or store them in water, or skip cleaning the case. Our contact lens exams cover the habits that prevent it.

How long does keratitis last?

It depends on the cause. Noninfectious keratitis, from dryness or lens overwear, is treated with artificial tears, or with a bandage contact lens and anti-inflammatory drops when it is more severe. Infections need drops aimed at the germ, sometimes pills too, with frequent rechecks; Acanthamoeba infections can take a year or more of treatment. Left untreated, keratitis can permanently damage vision, so the sooner treatment starts, the better.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kevin Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Keratitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

The inflamed cornea — and the reason we answer same-day calls.

Keratitis means the cornea itself is inflamed — from infection, from overworn contact lenses, from dryness or injury. It is the diagnosis behind many “my eye suddenly can’t stand light” mornings, and it rewards speed.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

Feels like: Pain, light sensitivity, tearing
Classic setup: Contact lenses overworn or slept in
Urgency: Same-day, especially with a white spot
Treatment: Targeted drops, lens holiday

Two families

Infectious or sterile — the exam tells.

Infectious keratitis: Bacteria and other organisms, classically tied to contact lens habits — sleeping in lenses, tap water, tired cases. Treated urgently with targeted drops; a white spot on the cornea is a same-day call, always.
Sterile keratitis: Inflammation without infection, from dryness, lens overwear, lid disease or injury. It settles with surface treatment and a fix for the habit that lit the fire.
Either way: Lenses stay out until the cornea is quiet, and our optometrists in Los Angeles recheck until it is — scarring near the visual axis is the outcome we are preventing.

Red flags

Call 310-828-2010 today (an emergency room when we're closed) if you have

Eye pain with light sensitivity
A red eye that is getting worse, not better
Any white spot on the cornea, especially as a lens wearer
Blurred vision with discharge

Call 310-828-2010

Common questions

Keratitis, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Removing lenses is step one — but a painful, light-sensitive or white-spotted eye needs same-day examination, not waiting.
Caught early, most cases settle without lasting damage; delay is what lets central scars form. That is why we treat it quickly.
No sleeping or showering in lenses, fresh solution nightly, cases replaced monthly — and dryness treated so the surface defends itself.
Either infection (bacteria, viruses such as herpes simplex, fungi, or the amoeba Acanthamoeba, found in tap water and lakes) or inflammation without infection, from dry eye, wearing contact lenses too long, an eye injury or too much UV light. Contact lenses raise the risk, especially if you sleep or swim in them, rinse or store them in water, or skip cleaning the case. Our contact lens exams cover the habits that prevent it.
It depends on the cause. Noninfectious keratitis, from dryness or lens overwear, is treated with artificial tears, or with a bandage contact lens and anti-inflammatory drops when it is more severe. Infections need drops aimed at the germ, sometimes pills too, with frequent rechecks; Acanthamoeba infections can take a year or more of treatment. Left untreated, keratitis can permanently damage vision, so the sooner treatment starts, the better.

Keratitis near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

Also consider

Next step

Painful, red, light-shy eye?

That trio is a phone call, not a search. Call 310-828-2010 and come in today.

Call 310-828-2010 Or book online