Corneal ulcers can cause eye pain and vision loss if left untreated. They can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, and are more common in people who wear contact lenses. Treatment includes medication and proper lens hygiene. Prompt medical attention is important to prevent permanent damage.
A corneal ulcer is an open lesion that appears on the eye. The ulcers can be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections and often cause eye pain and a discharge of pus. Without prompt medical treatment, a corneal ulcer can permanently damage a person’s vision. It’s important to visit the emergency room or an ophthalmologist as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis and learn which medications can help relieve symptoms and promote healing. Doctors can also provide helpful information about how to prevent future eye infections.
A person can experience a corneal ulcer if the outer layer of the eye, called the cornea, is injured. A scratch or puncture on the cornea makes the eye susceptible to bacterial infections. People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk of developing ulcers because a lens can irritate the eye and trap bacteria in the cornea. An ulcer can also be the result of a viral infection, such as the herpes simplex virus or a fungus. Less commonly, a vitamin A deficiency can weaken the cornea and make the immune system less effective at fighting bacteria.
The most common symptoms of a corneal ulcer include redness, excessive tear production, and constant pain. An infection gets worse, the lower eyelid can swell, and a milky pus can build up and ooze out of the eye. Vision often becomes blurry, and a person may develop headaches and feelings of nausea. An untreated ulcer can actually scar the cornea and cause permanent vision loss.
A person who believes they may have a corneal ulcer should see a doctor right away. After the initial inspection in an emergency room or an ophthalmologist’s office, a doctor uses a specialized microscope to carefully examine the ulcer. If it’s not clear what caused an injury, the doctor collects a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. Laboratory tests can reveal the presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi and help your doctor determine the correct course of treatment.
Corneal ulcers are usually easy to treat with eye drops and oral medications that contain antiviral, antibacterial, or antifungal agents. By applying drops every day and avoiding overexposure to bright light, an ulcer usually heals in less than three weeks. A patient who wears contact lenses might be instructed to wear glasses instead during the healing phase. Additionally, a doctor can explain the importance of removing contact lenses at bedtime and proper lens cleaning procedures to reduce the risk of recurring eye ulcers.
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