Corneal Ulcer
What is a corneal ulcer?
A corneal ulcer is an open sore or infection on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It occurs when the cornea’s protective outer layer is damaged and becomes infected with bacteria, fungus, viruses or parasites. It is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Common symptoms:
You may experience:
- Redness of the eye
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Foreign body sensation
- White or grey spot on the cornea
It is advisable to seek medical attention immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
Who is at risk?
Corneal ulcers may occur due to:
- Injury or a foreign body entering the eye
- Poor contact lens hygiene, like using tap water or contaminated lens solution for cleaning
- Sleeping with contact lenses or using them beyond the recommended hours
- Severe dry eyes
- Long-term and over-the-counter use of steroid-containing eye drops
- Traditional home remedies like the use of honey and breast milk for eye infections or dryness
- Suppressed or weakened immunity secondary to diseases like Diabetes Mellitus, Autoimmune diseases, and Chemotherapy
Why are early diagnosis and treatment important?
An untreated corneal ulcer can lead to reduced or permanent vision loss resulting from
- Spread of infection and involvement of the whole eye
- Corneal perforation (hole in the cornea
- Scar formation
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the ulcer and may include:
For bacterial infections
- Antibiotic eye drops, often used frequently
For fungal Infections
- Antifungal eye drops or medications
For viral infections
- Antiviral medications
Additional treatment
- Pain relief medications
- Lubricating eye drops
- Discontinuation of contact lens use
Severe cases may require hospitalisation or surgery.
- Use protective eyewear at the workplace or during hazardous activities
- Follow proper contact lens hygiene
- Avoid sharing eye drops
- Avoid self-medication and the use of over-the-counter eye drops
- Seek proper medical care promptly for any eye injury or infection
- A corneal ulcer is a serious eye condition that needs early medical attention.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and preserve vision.