Corneal ulcers

Corneal Ulcers

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. Corneal ulcers are often caused by infections, but they can also result from physical or chemical trauma, or underlying eye conditions.

Causes

Corneal ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Infections:

Bacterial keratitis: Commonly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and other bacteria. Fungal keratitis: Often caused by fungi such as Fusarium and Aspergillus. Viral keratitis: Frequently due to Herpes simplex virus and Varicella zoster virus. Acanthamoeba keratitis: A rare but serious infection caused by the Acanthamoeba organism, often associated with contact lens use.

• Non-infectious causes:

Dry eye syndrome: Can lead to corneal damage and ulceration. Allergic eye disease: Severe allergies can cause corneal damage. Trauma: Physical injury to the eye, such as scratches or foreign bodies. Chemical burns: Exposure to harmful chemicals can damage the cornea.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a corneal ulcer may include:

• Severe eye pain
• Redness of the eye
• Tearing and discharge
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• A white or gray spot on the cornea

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a corneal ulcer involves a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The following methods are commonly used:

• Slit-lamp examination: Allows detailed examination of the cornea.
• Fluorescein staining: A dye that highlights corneal defects under blue light.
• Corneal scraping: Collecting a sample from the ulcer for laboratory analysis to identify the causative organism.

Treatment

Treatment of corneal ulcers depends on the underlying cause:

• Antibiotic eye drops: For bacterial infections.
• Antifungal eye drops: For fungal infections.
• Antiviral medications: For viral infections.
• Cycloplegic drops: To relieve pain by relaxing the muscles in the eye.
• Steroid eye drops: May be used to reduce inflammation, but only under close supervision.
• Surgery: In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Proper hygiene and care of contact lenses.
• Protecting the eyes from injury and foreign bodies.
• Prompt treatment of eye infections and conditions.

Prognosis

The prognosis for corneal ulcers varies depending on the cause and severity. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as scarring, vision loss, or corneal perforation.

See Also

• Keratitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Ophthalmology

References

• "Corneal Ulcers." American Academy of Ophthalmology. [1]
• "Corneal Ulcer." Mayo Clinic. [2]