Corneal ulcer (patient information)

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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, that is associated with infection.

There are five layers in the human cornea, from outer to inner:

• Epithelium
• Bowman's layer
• Stroma
• Descemet's membrane
• Endothelium

What are the symptoms of a corneal ulcer?

Corneal ulcers are extremely painful due to nerve exposure, and can cause tearing, squinting, and vision loss of the eye.

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 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?

People with poor eye hygiene and contact lens abusers (e.g. wears contact lenses overnight) are at an increased risk of developing a corneal ulcer.

Corneal ulcers are a common condition in humans particularly in the tropics and the agrarian societies.

In developing countries, children afflicted by Vitamin A deficiency are at high risk for corneal ulcer and may become blind in both eyes, which may persist lifelong.

How to know you have a corneal ulcer?

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

Treating 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 a corneal ulcer

Directions to Hospitals Treating yourdisease

Prevention of a corneal ulcer

Prompt, early attention by an ophthalmologist or optometrist for an eye infection may prevent ulcers from forming. Wash hands and pay very close attention to cleanliness while handling contact lenses. Avoid wearing contact lenses overnight.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)

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 include:

• Loss of the eye
• Severe vision loss
• Scars on the cornea

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001032.htm