8 Signs You May Have Corneal Ulcer -- Symptoms, Causes, Effects, Treatment and Prevention
Corneal ulcer refers to an open sore or erosion on the surface of the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. It can result from an infection, injury, or underlying eye conditions. It is a localized infection or inflammation of the cornea, often caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms. It can also occur due to eye trauma or certain underlying conditions that affect the health of the cornea. Here is an explanation of corneal ulcer, along with its symptoms, diagnosis, causes, effects, treatment, and prevention:
Symptoms of Corneal Ulcer:
The symptoms of corneal ulcer may include:
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness and swelling of the eye
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Eye discharge
- Foreign body sensation in the eye
- Corneal opacity or cloudiness (in severe cases)
Diagnosis of Corneal Ulcer:
The diagnosis of corneal ulcer is typically made by an eye care professional, such as an ophthalmologist. It may involve the following:
- Detailed medical history and eye examination
- Evaluation of symptoms and visual acuity testing
- Slit-lamp examination to visualize the cornea and identify the ulcer
- Corneal cultures to determine the causative microorganism (if infectious)
- Fluorescein staining to highlight the ulcer and assess its size and depth
Causes of Corneal Ulcer:
Corneal ulcers can have various causes, including:
- Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections
- Eye trauma or injury, such as scratches or foreign bodies
- Improper contact lens use or hygiene
- Dry eye syndrome
- Underlying eye conditions, such as keratitis or autoimmune diseases
Effects of Corneal Ulcer:
If left untreated or not managed properly, corneal ulcers can lead to severe complications, including:
- Corneal scarring and opacity, which can cause permanent vision loss
- Corneal perforation, requiring emergency medical intervention
- Infection spreading to other parts of the eye, leading to more serious eye conditions
- Long-term vision impairment or visual disturbances
Treatment of Corneal Ulcer:
The treatment of corneal ulcer depends on its underlying cause and severity. It may involve:
- Topical antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the infection
- Lubricating eye drops or ointments to relieve symptoms and promote healing
- Corticosteroid eye drops (under close supervision) to reduce inflammation
- Bandage contact lenses or specialized therapeutic lenses for corneal protection
- Surgical intervention in severe cases, such as corneal grafting or debridement
Prevention of Corneal Ulcer:
To prevent corneal ulcers, it is important to follow good eye hygiene practices and take necessary precautions, such as:
- Proper contact lens care, including cleaning, disinfecting, and regular replacement
- Avoiding eye trauma and protecting the eyes during activities that pose a risk
- Seeking prompt medical attention for any eye infections or injuries
- Avoiding sharing of eye makeup or personal eye care items
- Managing underlying conditions that can contribute to corneal ulcer formation
If you suspect a corneal ulcer or have any concerning eye symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
References:
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2018). Corneal Ulcer. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-ulcer
Image Attribution:
Featured image by Yoanmb, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
