Corneal ulcer
| Corneal ulcer | |
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| Corneal ulcer. Marked generalized inflammation related to bacterial infection in this immunocompromised host. The cornea itself has become opaque secondary to this process. (Image courtesy of Charlie Goldberg, M.D.) | |
| ICD-10 | H16.0 |
| ICD-9 | 370.00 |
| MedlinePlus | 001032 MedlinePlus2 |
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Corneal ulcer Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Corneal ulcer On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Corneal ulcer |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Epidemiology & Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Causes
Differentiating Corneal ulcer
Complications & Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Staging | Laboratory tests | Electrocardiogram | X Rays | CT | MRI Echocardiography or Ultrasound | Other images | Alternative diagnostics
Treatment
Medical therapy | Surgical options | Primary prevention | Secondary prevention | Financial costs | Future therapies
Melting ulcers
Melting ulcers are a type of corneal ulcer involving progressive loss of stroma in a dissolving fashion. This is most commonly seen in Pseudomonas infection, but it can be caused by other types of bacteria or fungi. These infectious agents produce proteases and collagenases which break down the corneal stroma. Complete loss of the stroma can occur within 24 hours. Treatment includes antibiotics and collagenase inhibitors such as acetylcysteine. Surgery in the form of corneal transplantation (penetrating keratoplasty) is usually necessary to save the eye.