Interstitial Keratitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Interstitial Keratitis?
An ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who treats eye disease, usually treats interstitial keratitis. You may also need a specialist who knows the disease behind it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is interstitial keratitis?
Interstitial keratitis is inflammation of the tissue of the cornea, the clear window on the front of the eye. This condition can lead to vision loss. The inflammation is in the stroma, which is the thickest layer of the cornea. Blood vessels grow into the cornea. This can cause the cornea to lose its normal clearness.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Eye pain.
- Excessive tearing.
- Sensitivity to light, which is called photophobia.
Strong light sensitivity and pain are very typical. Vision may also get worse, and how much depends on how much of the cornea is affected and where.
Causes and who gets it
Infections often cause interstitial keratitis. In the United States, herpes simplex virus and syphilis are the most common causes. Together, they cause more than half of cases there. Most cases linked to syphilis come from syphilis present from birth. They usually start in the pre-teen or early teen years. In the United States, most cases of syphilis are found and treated before this eye condition develops. Other bacterial diseases linked to it include Lyme disease, tuberculosis, and leprosy. Autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis, can also cause it. The risk factors depend on the cause.
How doctors diagnose it
An eye doctor can diagnose it with a slit-lamp exam. Blood tests and chest x-rays are often needed to find the infection or disease that is causing it. Doctors may test for syphilis. It still causes a number of cases and is easy to treat. Doctors also ask about past herpes infections, other past infections, and travel.
Treatment
The disease causing interstitial keratitis must be treated. Steroid eye drops are the main treatment for the most common forms. They may lessen scarring and help keep the cornea clear. Steroid drops can raise eye pressure and cause cataracts, so doctors watch for these problems. Antiviral medicine may be used along with steroid drops when a herpes virus is the cause. Bacterial causes need antibiotics to cure the underlying infection. Treating syphilis does little for the inflammation in the cornea. It should still be treated to limit problems in the rest of the body. Once the inflammation has passed, the cornea may be left badly scarred. A cornea transplant can be an option once the underlying disease is under control. A transplant is not as successful for this condition as it is for most other cornea diseases. Blood vessels in the cornea raise the risk that the body will reject the new cornea. Finding and treating it early can protect the clear cornea and good vision.
When to see a doctor
If you have interstitial keratitis, get checked right away if your pain gets worse, your redness increases, or your vision decreases. This is especially important for people with corneal transplants. You also need close follow-up with an eye doctor.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can help you reach an eye doctor and can help coordinate care with a specialist who knows the underlying disease.
Common questions
Can interstitial keratitis cause vision loss?
Yes, it can lead to vision loss. Finding and treating it early can protect the clear cornea and good vision.
What causes interstitial keratitis?
Infections are often the cause. In the United States, herpes simplex virus and syphilis are the most common causes.
Which doctor should I see for interstitial keratitis?
You should see an ophthalmologist, an eye doctor. You may also need a specialist who knows the disease behind it.
Do steroid eye drops help interstitial keratitis?
Yes, they are the main treatment for the most common forms. They may lessen scarring and help keep the cornea clear. Steroid drops can raise eye pressure and cause cataracts, so doctors watch for these problems.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Interstitial keratitis
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - EyeWiki: Interstitial Keratitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
