A corneal ulcer is an erosion or exposed sore on the surface of the cornea. Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by germs, but can also result from viruses, injury, and inadequate eyelid closure.
Corneal ulcers present with several distinctive symptoms that require immediate attention:
These symptoms can develop rapidly and may worsen without proper treatment.
Corneal ulcers have several potential causes, with bacterial infections being the most common. Other causes include viruses, physical injury to the eye, and inadequate eyelid closure. Corneal ulcers are particularly common in people who wear contact lenses, especially if they wear them overnight or don't follow proper hygiene practices.
Early diagnosis is crucial in treating corneal ulcers effectively. Your optometrist will ask detailed questions to determine what caused the ulcer and examine your eyes with a slit-lamp microscope. A special fluorescent dye may be placed in your eye to aid in the diagnosis by highlighting the damaged areas. If the exact cause is unclear, your optometrist may test a sample of the ulcer to properly identify the pathogen and determine the most effective treatment approach.
Treatment for corneal ulcers needs to be aggressive, as some ulcers can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Treatment typically involves antibiotics as well as antiviral or antifungal medications depending on the cause. Steroid eye drops may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation. In severe cases where significant scarring has occurred, a corneal transplant may be needed to restore vision.
Corneal ulcers require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. If you experience symptoms of a corneal ulcer, contact us immediately. (917) 891-8555
