Corneal ulcer (patient information): Difference between revisions
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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Corneal ulcer|here]]''' | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Corneal ulcer|here]]''' | ||
{{ | {{Corneal ulcer (patient information)}} | ||
{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' Erin Lord | {{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' Erin Lord | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the [[cornea]], the transparent area at the front of the eyeball that covers the [[iris]] and [[pupil]]. | A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the [[cornea]], the transparent area at the front of the eyeball that covers the [[iris]] and [[pupil]]. | ||
==What are the symptoms of | ==What are the symptoms of Corneal ulcer?== | ||
Corneal ulcers are extremely painful due to nerve exposure, and can cause tearing and squinting. | Corneal ulcers are extremely painful due to nerve exposure, and can cause tearing and squinting. | ||
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* Signs of anterior [[uveitis]], such as [[miosis]] (small pupil), [[aqueous flare]] (protein in the [[aqueous humour]]), and redness of the eye | * Signs of anterior [[uveitis]], such as [[miosis]] (small pupil), [[aqueous flare]] (protein in the [[aqueous humour]]), and redness of the eye | ||
==What | ==What causes Corneal ulcer?== | ||
Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]] or [[parasites]]. Because bacteria can more easily penetrate a damaged cornea than a healthy one, a corneal ulcer is more likely to occur after some type of injury or trauma to the eye (e.g. tiny scratches from foreign particles that enter the eye). | Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]] or [[parasites]]. Because bacteria can more easily penetrate a damaged cornea than a healthy one, a corneal ulcer is more likely to occur after some type of injury or trauma to the eye (e.g. tiny scratches from foreign particles that enter the eye). | ||
Inappropriate [[contact lens]] wear (e.g. wearing the lenses overnight or not using proper hygiene when handling the lenses) may also lead to a corneal ulcer. Furthermore, a [[contact lens]] may damage the [[cornea]] as it scratches against the surface upon removal, thereby allowing easier bacterial penetration | Inappropriate [[contact lens]] wear (e.g. wearing the lenses overnight or not using proper hygiene when handling the lenses) may also lead to a corneal ulcer. Furthermore, a [[contact lens]] may damage the [[cornea]] as it scratches against the surface upon removal, thereby allowing easier bacterial penetration. | ||
Examples of [[viruses]], [[fungi]], and [[parasites]] that can cause corneal ulcers are: | Examples of [[viruses]], [[fungi]], and [[parasites]] that can cause corneal ulcers are: | ||
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* [[Fusarium]] - These fungi have been associated with [[fungal keratitis]]. The infection can occur after a [[corneal]] injury involving plant material, such as from a tree branch, or in [[immunosuppressed]] people. | * [[Fusarium]] - These fungi have been associated with [[fungal keratitis]]. The infection can occur after a [[corneal]] injury involving plant material, such as from a tree branch, or in [[immunosuppressed]] people. | ||
* [[Acanthamoeba]] - These [[parasites]] can lead to [[acanthamoeba keratitis]] mostly in [[contact lens]] users, especially those who attempt to make their own homemade [[Contact lens#Care (cleaning and disinfection)|cleaning solutions]]. It can also cause problems for people who wear their [[contact lenses]] while swimming. | * [[Acanthamoeba]] - These [[parasites]] can lead to [[acanthamoeba keratitis]] mostly in [[contact lens]] users, especially those who attempt to make their own homemade[[Contact lens#Care (cleaning and disinfection)|cleaning solutions]]. It can also cause problems for people who wear their [[contact lenses]] while swimming. | ||
Other causes of corneal ulcers include: | Other causes of corneal ulcers include: | ||
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* Severe eye [[allergies]] | * Severe eye [[allergies]] | ||
* Various [[inflammatory]] disorders | * Various [[inflammatory]] disorders | ||
* Chemical burns that can injure the cornea | * Chemical burns that can injure the cornea | ||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
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In developing countries, children afflicted by [[vitamin A]] deficiency are at a high risk for corneal ulcer and may become [[blind]] in both eyes, which may persist lifelong if not treated. | In developing countries, children afflicted by [[vitamin A]] deficiency are at a high risk for corneal ulcer and may become [[blind]] in both eyes, which may persist lifelong if not treated. | ||
== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
A corneal ulcer is diagnosed by an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]] when performing certain tests, including: | A corneal ulcer is diagnosed by an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]] when performing certain tests, including: | ||
* Examination of scrapings from the ulcer | * Examination of scrapings from the ulcer | ||
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==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
Treatment of corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. They should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further injury to the [[cornea]]. Patients usually start treatment with an [[antibiotic]] that is effective against many [[bacteria]]. More specific [[antibiotic]], [[antiviral]], or [[antifungal]] [[eye drops]] are prescribed as soon as the cause of the ulcer has been identified. | |||
[[Corticosteroid]] [[eye drops]] may be used to reduce [[inflammation]] in certain conditions. | [[Corticosteroid]] [[eye drops]] may be used to reduce [[inflammation]] in certain conditions. | ||
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Severe ulcers may need to be treated with [[corneal transplantation]]. | Severe ulcers may need to be treated with [[corneal transplantation]]. | ||
==Where to find medical care for | ==Where to find medical care for Corneal ulcer?== | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}| | [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Cornealulcer}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Corneal Ulcer] | ||
==Prevention | ==Prevention== | ||
Contact lens wearers must be sure to wash their hands and pay very close attention to cleanliness while handling their [[contact lenses|lenses]] to prevent corneal ulcers. Also, [[contact lenses]] should not be worn overnight or when swimming, and eye lubricants should be | Contact lens wearers must be sure to wash their hands and pay very close attention to cleanliness while handling their [[contact lenses|lenses]] to prevent corneal ulcers. Also, [[contact lenses]] should not be worn overnight or when swimming, and eye lubricants should be used prior to [[contact lens|lens]] removal to avoid scratches due to dryness. | ||
Prompt, early attention by an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]] for an eye [[infection]] may prevent ulcers from forming. | Prompt, early attention by an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]] for an eye [[infection]] may prevent ulcers from forming. | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
With proper, prompt treatment, the outlook is very good. | With proper, prompt treatment, the outlook is very good. However, if left untreated, a corneal ulcer or [[infection]] can permanently damage the [[cornea]]. Untreated corneal ulcers may also perforate the eye (cause holes), resulting in the spread of the [[infection]] inside, increasing the risk of permanent visual problems. | ||
However, if left untreated, a corneal ulcer or [[infection]] can permanently damage the [[cornea]]. Untreated corneal ulcers may also perforate the eye (cause holes), resulting in spread of the [[infection]] inside, increasing the risk of permanent visual problems. | |||
==Possible complications== | |||
Possible complications include: | Possible complications include: | ||
* Loss of the eye | * Loss of the eye | ||
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* Scars on the [[cornea]] | * Scars on the [[cornea]] | ||
== | ==Sources== | ||
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001032.htm | http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001032.htm | ||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
[[Category:Patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Disease]] | |||
[[Category:Ophthalmology]] | |||
Latest revision as of 21:08, 29 July 2020
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
|
Corneal ulcer |
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Corneal ulcer On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Erin Lord
Overview
A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the cornea, the transparent area at the front of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupil.
What are the symptoms of Corneal ulcer?
Corneal ulcers are extremely painful due to nerve exposure, and can cause tearing and squinting.
Other symptoms include:
- Eye burning, itching and discharge
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Impaired vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Watery eyes
- White patch on the cornea
- Signs of anterior uveitis, such as miosis (small pupil), aqueous flare (protein in the aqueous humour), and redness of the eye
What causes Corneal ulcer?
Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Because bacteria can more easily penetrate a damaged cornea than a healthy one, a corneal ulcer is more likely to occur after some type of injury or trauma to the eye (e.g. tiny scratches from foreign particles that enter the eye).
Inappropriate contact lens wear (e.g. wearing the lenses overnight or not using proper hygiene when handling the lenses) may also lead to a corneal ulcer. Furthermore, a contact lens may damage the cornea as it scratches against the surface upon removal, thereby allowing easier bacterial penetration. Examples of viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause corneal ulcers are:
- Herpes simplex - This virus can lead to herpes simplex keratitis, which is a serious viral infection that may cause repeated attacks that are triggered by stress, exposure to sunlight, or any condition that impairs the immune system.
- Fusarium - These fungi have been associated with fungal keratitis. The infection can occur after a corneal injury involving plant material, such as from a tree branch, or in immunosuppressed people.
- Acanthamoeba - These parasites can lead to acanthamoeba keratitis mostly in contact lens users, especially those who attempt to make their own homemadecleaning solutions. It can also cause problems for people who wear their contact lenses while swimming.
Other causes of corneal ulcers include:
- Abrasions (scratches)
- Foreign bodies in the eye
- Inadequate eyelid closure
- Severely dry eyes
- Severe eye allergies
- Various inflammatory disorders
- Chemical burns that can injure the cornea
Who is at highest risk?
People with poor eye hygiene and contact lens abusers (e.g. those who wear contact lenses overnight) are at an increased risk of developing corneal ulcers.
Corneal ulcers are a common condition in humans, particularly those living in the tropics and in agrarian societies.
In developing countries, children afflicted by vitamin A deficiency are at a high risk for corneal ulcer and may become blind in both eyes, which may persist lifelong if not treated.
Diagnosis
A corneal ulcer is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist when performing certain tests, including:
- Examination of scrapings from the ulcer
- Fluorescein stain of the cornea
- Keratometry (measurement of the cornea)
- Pupillary reflex response
- Refraction test
- Slit-lamp examination
- Tear test
- Visual acuity
Blood tests to check for inflammatory disorders may also be needed.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you develop impaired vision, severe light sensitivity, or eye pain.
Treatment options
Treatment of corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. They should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further injury to the cornea. Patients usually start treatment with an antibiotic that is effective against many bacteria. More specific antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops are prescribed as soon as the cause of the ulcer has been identified.
Corticosteroid eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation in certain conditions.
Severe ulcers may need to be treated with corneal transplantation.
Where to find medical care for Corneal ulcer?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Corneal Ulcer
Prevention
Contact lens wearers must be sure to wash their hands and pay very close attention to cleanliness while handling their lenses to prevent corneal ulcers. Also, contact lenses should not be worn overnight or when swimming, and eye lubricants should be used prior to lens removal to avoid scratches due to dryness.
Prompt, early attention by an ophthalmologist or optometrist for an eye infection may prevent ulcers from forming.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
With proper, prompt treatment, the outlook is very good. However, if left untreated, a corneal ulcer or infection can permanently damage the cornea. Untreated corneal ulcers may also perforate the eye (cause holes), resulting in the spread of the infection inside, increasing the risk of permanent visual problems.
Possible complications
Possible complications include:
- Loss of the eye
- Severe vision loss
- Scars on the cornea
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001032.htm Template:WH Template:WS