Corneal ulcer

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Corneal Ulcer

What is it?

A corneal ulcer is an injury to the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye) that can become very serious if not treated promptly.

Why does it occur?

Corneal ulcers can develop due to various causes:

  • Infections
  • Contact lens use: Poor hygiene or improper use of contact lenses can lead to infections that cause corneal ulcers.
  • Trauma: An injury to the eye can lead to an ulcer.
  • Foreign body in the eye: A foreign object can scratch the cornea, leading to ulceration.
  • Inadequate closure of the eyelid: If the eyelid doesn't close properly, the eye may dry out, increasing the risk of infection.

Is it preventable?

Prevention depends on the cause of the corneal ulcer:

  • Infectious ulcers: To avoid ulcers caused by contact lens use, wearers should follow proper hygiene guidelines provided by their optometrist or ophthalmologist.
  • Trauma-induced ulcers: These can sometimes be unavoidable due to accidents or injury.

Symptoms

Corneal ulcers can cause:

  • Pain (sometimes intense)
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Tearing
  • Red eye
  • Visual problems
  • Difficulty opening the eye (in severe cases)

Associated treatments

Treatment depends on the cause of the corneal ulcer:

  • Infectious ulcers: Intensive treatment with antibiotics is necessary, along with pain relief measures.
  • Prompt treatment: It is essential to start treatment as soon as possible, as untreated corneal ulcers can cause permanent damage to the cornea.

Amniotic membrane transplantation may also be used in some cases to promote healing and reduce scarring.