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CORNEAL ULCER

General Information

DEFINITION--An open sore in the thin transparent layers that cover the eye. It is particularly likely to occur in sports activities in areas with lots of wind, sand or gravel.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Eye pain.
  • Sensitivity to bright light.
  • Eyelid spasm.
  • Tearing.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Redness in the white of the eye.

    CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

  • Injury to the cornea or the imbedding in the cornea of a foreign body, such as a small piece of steel, sand or glass. A bacterial infection--usually PNEUMOCOCCAL, STREPTOCOCCAL or STAPHYLOCOCCAL--may follow the injury.
  • Use of contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses.
  • Complications of the virus, herpes simplex, that produces cold sores on the mouth and can affect the eye.
  • Infections of the eyelids and conjunctiva.
  • Defective closure of the lid.
  • Smoking or other environmental eye irritants.
  • All the above infections are contagious from person to person or from one part of the body to another--especially finger-to-eye contact after touching cold sores on the mouth.

    HOW TO PREVENT

  • Wash hands frequently.
  • Avoid injury. Use appropriate equipment such as protective goggles, helmets and face masks to prevent injury to the head, face and eyes.
  • Don't touch your eyes if you have cold sores.

    WHAT TO EXPECT

    DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
  • Your own observation of symptoms.
  • Medical history and physical exam by a doctor (ophthalmologist).
  • Laboratory studies to identify the bacterium, virus or fungus responsible for the infection and ulcer.

    SURGERY

    Not necessary nor useful for this disorder, unless a corneal transplant becomes necessary (rare).

    NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS

    A corneal ulcer is a serious eye problem. It is usually curable in 2 to 3 weeks if treated by an ophthalmologist. If scars from previous corneal ulcers impair vision significantly, a corneal transplant (grafting a new cornea onto the eye) may make vision nearly normal.

    POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

    Neglected corneal ulcers may penetrate the cornea, allowing infection to enter the eyeball. This can cause permanent vision loss.

    HOW TO TREAT

    NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

    MEDICAL TREATMENT

    None is usually necessary after diagnosis and prescription of medications.

    HOME TREATMENT

    Apply cool-water compresses to the eye as often as they feel good.

    MEDICATION

  • Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, ointments or oral antibiotics for bacterial infections. Your doctor will administer medication for viral and fungus infections.
  • For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.

    ACTIVITY

    After treatment, resume normal activity as soon as possible.

    DIET

    No special diet.

    CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF

  • You have symptoms of a corneal ulcer.
  • The following occurs during treatment: Fever over 101F (38.3C). Pain that is not relieved by acetaminophen. Changed vision.
  • New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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