Blindness.
This is what can lead, if not treated in time, to infectious keratitis, the eye disease which deprived Marie-Sophie Lacarrau, the star journalist of TF1, of aerial coverage for five months.
What is it about ?
"From a pathology of the cornea which, in its bacterial form, is relatively common and can be treated with antibiotics in a few days", answers Laurence Desjardins, administrative and scientific director of the French Society of Ophthalmology.
In the case of the presenter of 13 Hours of TF1, it is a parasite present in the water, the amoeba, which is at the origin of the inflammation.
"It is a much rarer form, around fifty cases per year, often misdiagnosed and much more complicated to treat," says Dr. Romain Jaillant, whose Paris office specializes in ophthalmic emergencies.
Read alsoMarie-Sophie Lacarrau back at 13 Hours of TF1 this Monday: "I lived two months in the dark"
Pain in the eye, redness and sensitivity to light are some of the characteristic symptoms.
The infection also very often takes the form of a corneal abscess.
After elimination, this small white spot, of only a few millimeters, can leave an opaque scar leading to a collapse of vision.
The most serious cases require a transplant a few months later.
Whether bacterial, fungal (due to a fungus) or amoebic, keratitis mainly affects contact lens wearers.
“They are mainly caused by a lack of hygiene,” notes Laurence Desjardins.
"To limit the risks, you have to wash your hands well, then dry them, each time you put in or take out your lenses, don't wear them for more than a day, don't sleep with them, respect the expiry dates", enumerates Dr. Jaillant.
In order to avoid amoebic infections, the ophthalmologist insists: “It is strongly advised not to shower or bathe with lenses.
If despite everything you do, opt for disposable models.
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