Corneal ulcer

Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer visible on the eye.

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. 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 from underlying eye diseases.

Causes

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

• Bacterial infection: This is the most common cause of corneal ulcers. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus can invade the cornea, especially if there is a break in the corneal surface.
• Viral infection: Herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus can cause corneal ulcers.
• Fungal infection: Fungi such as Fusarium and Aspergillus can infect the cornea, particularly in people who wear contact lenses or have had an eye injury involving plant material.
• Parasitic infection: Acanthamoeba is a parasite that can cause severe corneal ulcers, often associated with contact lens use.
• Trauma: Physical injury to the eye, such as a scratch or foreign body, can lead to a corneal ulcer.
• Dry eye syndrome: Severe dry eyes can lead to corneal ulcers due to inadequate lubrication and protection of the corneal surface.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a corneal ulcer may include:

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

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a corneal ulcer is typically made by an ophthalmologist or optometrist through a comprehensive eye examination. This may include:

• Slit-lamp examination: A special microscope is used to examine the cornea in detail.
• Fluorescein staining: A dye is applied to the eye to highlight the ulcer.
• Corneal culture: A sample from the ulcer may be taken to identify the causative organism.

Treatment

Treatment of a corneal ulcer depends on the underlying cause:

• Antibiotic eye drops: Used for bacterial infections.
• Antiviral eye drops: Used for viral infections.
• Antifungal eye drops: Used for fungal infections.
• Antiparasitic eye drops: Used for parasitic infections.
• Steroid eye drops: May be used to reduce inflammation, but only under close supervision.
• Pain relief: Medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain.
• Surgery: In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary.

Prevention

Preventive measures for corneal ulcers include:

• Proper contact lens hygiene
• Avoiding eye trauma
• Prompt treatment of eye infections
• Regular eye examinations

Related pages

• Cornea
• Eye infection
• Contact lens
• Ophthalmology