Corneal ulcer (patient information): Difference between revisions
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Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]] or [[parasites]]. Other causes include: | Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]] or [[parasites]]. Other causes include: | ||
* Abrasions (scratches) | * [[Abrasions]] (scratches) | ||
* [[Foreign bodies]] in the eye | * [[Foreign bodies]] in the eye | ||
* Inadequate [[eyelid]] closure | * Inadequate [[eyelid]] closure | ||
* Severely [[dry eyes]] | * Severely [[dry eyes]] | ||
* Severe | * Severe [[allergies]] | ||
* Various [[inflammatory]] disorders | * Various [[inflammatory]] disorders | ||
[[Contact lens]] wear, especially soft contact lenses worn overnight, may cause a corneal ulcer. | [[Contact lens]] wear, especially soft [[contact lenses]] worn overnight, may cause a corneal ulcer. | ||
[[Herpes simplex keratitis]] 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. | [[Herpes simplex]] [[keratitis]] 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]]. | ||
[[Fungal keratitis]] can occur after a [[corneal]] injury involving plant material, or in [[immunosuppressed]] people. [[Acanthamoeba keratitis]] occurs in [[contact lens]] users, especially those who attempt to make their own homemade cleaning solutions. | [[Fungal keratitis]] can occur after a [[corneal]] injury involving plant material, or in [[immunosuppressed]] people. [[Acanthamoeba keratitis]] occurs in [[contact lens]] users, especially those who attempt to make their own homemade [[Contact lens#Care|cleaning solutions]]. | ||
==Who is at risk for a corneal ulcer?== | ==Who is at risk for a corneal ulcer?== |
Revision as of 20:43, 26 January 2010
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What is a corneal ulcer?
A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the cornea, which is the transparent area at the front of the eyeball. It is associated with infection.
What are the symptoms of a corneal ulcer?
What are the causes of a corneal ulcer?
Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Other causes include:
- Abrasions (scratches)
- Foreign bodies in the eye
- Inadequate eyelid closure
- Severely dry eyes
- Severe allergies
- Various inflammatory disorders
Contact lens wear, especially soft contact lenses worn overnight, may cause a corneal ulcer.
Herpes simplex keratitis 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.
Fungal keratitis can occur after a corneal injury involving plant material, or in immunosuppressed people. Acanthamoeba keratitis occurs in contact lens users, especially those who attempt to make their own homemade cleaning solutions.
Who is at risk for a corneal ulcer?
How to know you have a corneal ulcer?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for a corneal ulcer
Directions to Hospitals Treating yourdisease
Prevention of a corneal ulcer
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001032.htm