Corneal Ulcers: Symptoms, Prevention & Cure

It is the infection of the cornea which causes disruption of the cornea’s epithelial layer. Corneal ulcer is generally an open sore on the cornea.

What is cornea?
Cornea is the outermost, transparent, convex layer of the eye that shields the rest of the eye from external particles. It also transmits and focuses light in to the eye. Cornea does not have blood vessels and blood supply and thus it’s more prone to infections. It gets its nourishment from tears and other liquids present in the eye chambers.

Causes of Corneal Ulcers

• Infection Cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and hence its prone to different kinds of the infection. Bacterial, viral or the fungal infection in the cornea may initiate the inflammatory process in the cornea and thus lead to ulcers on the cornea.
• Injury to the cornea by certain foreign particles like glass, metal may lead to tiny tears on the cornea. These tears can easily get infected and ulceration of the cornea.
• Wearing contact lenses for long time may also act as a source of infection and injury to the cornea and thus it may lead to the corneal ulceration. Extended use of contact lenses (wearing lenses for many days without removing them at night) is also a common cause of corneal ulcers.
• Dry eyes – Certain medical conditions that causes dry eyes . Since tears are the main source of the corneal nourishment, all the conditions that causes dry eyes may lead to corneal ulceration
• Inadequate Eyelid Closure – Certain medical conditions like Bell’s palsy can cause inadequate eyelid closure. This exposes the cornea to dust, infection or trauma which may again lead to corneal ulceration

Symptoms of the corneal ulcers

• Pain in the eye
• Redness of eye
• Inching and burning sensation in eye
• Discharge from the eye
• Impaired vision
• Sensitivity to light

Diagnosis
Optometrist will do detailed physical examination of the eye with the help of special eye microscope. Ulcers can be detected by using the microscope.
If infection is the cause of the ulcer, sample can be drawn from the eye and sent to laboratory for the identification of the causative organism.

Treatment

• Causative organism for the infection is detected by the culture sensitivity of the sample drawn from the eye
• If the ulcers are caused by bacterial infection then antibiotic eye drops are given.
• For viral infection antiviral eye drops and for fungal infection antifungal eye drops are used.
• If ulcer is severe, hospitalization is done and IV antibiotics are given.
• Pain medications to relieve pain in the eye
• Cyclopegic eye drops give rest to the eye
• For non-healing or progressive corneal ulcers, surgery is performed (Corneal transplantation)

Eyecare at home

• Apply cool compresses to soothe the eye
• If discharge is coming out of the eye and forms crusts on the eyelid, apply warm compresses. Gently wash the eyes with clean water.
• Rest the eye to relieve pain and discomfort
• Avoid sunlight.
• Wear dark glasses
• Do not touch or rub the eye with fingers
• Limit the spread of the infection by washing hands regularly
• Avoid wearing contact lenses for few days

Seek immediate medical help if

• The discharge from the eye becomes greenish
• Vision is decreased
• Excessive pain in the eye
• Excessive sensitivity to light