What is Corneal Ulcer and Keratitis?
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, the thin clear front window of the eye. A corneal ulcer usually results from an eye infection, though it can be caused by severe dry eye or other eye disorders.
Inflammation of cornea (keratitis) is the response of corneal tissues to any harmful stimuli such as infection/allergy/injury/ulcer. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the damaged cornea.
| • Most corneal ulcers are caused by infections which may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. |
| • Tiny tears to the cornea may also cause corneal ulcers. |
| • Disorders that cause dry eyes can leave your eye without the germ-fighting protection of tears and cause ulcers. |
| • Bell's palsy and other eyelid disorders that prevent proper eyelid function can dry out the cornea and make it vulnerable to ulcers |
| • Chemical burns or other damaging solution splashes can injure the cornea. |
| • People who wear contact lenses are at an increased risk of corneal ulcers. In fact, your risk of corneal ulcerations increases 10-fold when using extended-wear soft contact lenses. |
Many causes of corneal ulcers can be prevented. Use the correct protective eyewear when doing any work or play that can lead to eye injury. And if you wear contact lenses, it is important to care for your contact lenses safely and correctly.
People at risk for corneal ulcers include:| • Contact lens wearers |
| • People who have or have had cold sores, chicken pox or shingles |
| • People who use steroid eyedrops |
| • People with dry eye |
| • People with eyelid disorders that prevent proper functioning of the eyelid |
| • People who suffer injury or burns to the cornea |
| • Redness |
| • Severe pain and soreness |
| • Foreign body sensation |
| • Pus or thick discharge |
| • Reduced Vision |
| • Inability to open eyes in bright light |
| • Watering |
| • Swelling of the eyelid |
| • A white round spot on the cornea |
Treatment of corneal ulcer
Your most important step if you suspect you have a corneal ulcer is an immediate visit to your eye doctor. Otherwise, untreated corneal ulcers can lead to severe vision loss and even loss of the eye.
The location and size of the ulceration will guide your eye doctor in determining the need for cultures. Most eye doctors see patients with corneal ulcers every one to three days, depending on the severity of the condition.
Medical treatment
Antibiotics eyedrops are the mainstay of treatment. Sometimes antibiotic tablets will be prescribed, or an injection of medication is given near the eye for treatment.
Oral pain medication may be prescribed to reduce pain.
If symptoms of corneal ulcer continue after treatment—including pain and redness of the eye, tearing and discharge from the eye and blurry vision—let your ophthalmologist know right away so a different course of treatment can be started promptly.
Surgical treatment
If the ulcer cannot be controlled with medications or if it threatens to perforate the cornea, you may require an emergency surgical procedure known as corneal transplant to keep your vision.
A corneal transplant can replace your damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea to restore vision.
Even if detected early and managed properly, some cases of corneal ulcers will require a cornea transplant (penetrating keratoplasty).
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