A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore on the surface of the cornea.
It also refracts light and offers protection to other parts of the eye.
If the cornea becomes inflamed due to infection or injury, an ulcer may develop.
Digital Vision/Photodisc/Getty Images
A corneal ulcer is a serious condition that must be treated promptly to avoid lasting vision problems.
Though good medicines are available for treatment, corneal ulcers can cause severe loss of vision and even blindness.
Because the cornea is very sensitive, corneal ulcers tend to produce severe pain.
Vision is sometimes impaired, and the eye may be tearing and red.
It may also hurt to look at bright lights.
Corneal ulcers are common in people who wear contact lenses, especially if they are worn overnight.
In fact, your risk of ulcers increases tenfold when using extended-wear soft contacts.
Your healthcare provider will ask questions to determine the cause of the ulcer.
Your eyes will then need to be examined under a special bio-microscope called a slit lamp.
Treatment usually involves antibiotics as well as antiviral or antifungal medications.
Steroid eye drops may also be given to reduce inflammation.
However, it is important that steroids can cause glaucoma and cataracts and should be taken as directed.
Steroids can also make a viral cause worse.
It is very important to follow proper instructions from your healthcare provider for how to used steroids safely.
In severe cases, patients are hospitalized so that the correct treatment is given.
Certain supplements, such as vitamin C, may be prescribed to lessen corneal scarring.
In such instances, blindness or the total loss of the eye may occur if treatment is delayed.
Turbert D.What is a corneal ulcer (keratitis)?American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Loh K, Agarwal P.Contact lens related corneal ulcer.Malays Fam Physician.
2010;5(1):6-8.
Published 2010 Apr 30.
PMID:25606178
Kellogg Eye Center.Keratitis (corneal ulcers).
2012;3(3):642-687. doi:10.3390/jfb3030642
MedlinePlus.Corneal ulcers and infections.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.
