The cornea is a clear layer of tissue at the front of the eye, which lets light enter the eye. A corneal ulcer, also known as keratitis or corneal ulceration, is an open sore that forms on the cornea. It is often due to a viral infections (like the herpes simplex virus), bacterial infections, or fungal infections, though it can also be the result of severe dry eye, an eye injury such as abrasions or burns, wearing soft contact lenses, or other eye disorders.
Corneal Ulcer Symptoms
Common symptoms associated with an infectious corneal ulcer include:
- Severe pain.
- Eye redness.
- Watery eyes.
- A feeling like something is in your eye.
- Discharge or pus.
- Blurred vision.
- A round, white spot on your cornea.
Generally, individuals who wear contact lenses, have dry eye, use steroid eye drops, have eyelid disorders, or have had cold sores, chickenpox, or shingles are at greater risk for developing corneal ulcers. Be sure to contact our office as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms for prompt treatment.
KNOW YOUR DOCTOR
Dr. Archana Gupta
Cataract Surgeon, Ophthalmologist, Cornea & External Diseases Specialist
Dr. Archana Gupta is a board certified ophthalmologist. She specializes in cataract, cornea, external diseases and refractive surgery.
How Is a Corneal Ulcer Diagnosed?
Dr. Gupta can diagnose a corneal ulcer during an examination of the ocular surface. Patients experiencing severe eye pain, redness, discharge, light sensitivity, or changes in vision should promptly contact an eye doctor, as delayed treatment may cause corneal scarring or permanent vision loss.
Diagnosis may include a fluorescein eye stain. During this test, orange dye is applied to the eye, and a slit-lamp microscope uses violet-blue light to reveal damage to the corneal epithelium. This examination can help distinguish an ulcer from a corneal abrasion. If an ulcer is found, Dr. Gupta may numb the eye and collect a sample for laboratory testing.
Common risk factors include contact lens wear, ocular trauma, and certain systemic risk factors. Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with peripheral ulcerative keratitis. Testing can also identify infective corneal ulcers, including bacterial ulcers and fungal ulcers, caused by conditions such as bacterial keratitis or fungal keratitis.
Corneal Ulcer Treatment Options
Treatment for developing a corneal ulcer depends on its cause and severity. Antibiotic eye drops, antifungal medication, or antiviral medication may be prescribed. Corticosteroid drops should only be used under close medical supervision. With timely care, most corneal ulcers improve, although how quickly corneal ulcers heal varies by cause and depth. Severe cases may require corneal transplant surgery, during which damaged corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor tissue.
Tips for Corneal Ulcer Prevention
If you develop any symptoms of an eye infection or injure your eye in any way, be sure to seek professional treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications such as corneal ulcers. There are also some daily practices that can help reduce your chances of developing an ulcer, including:
- Always wash your hands before touching your contacts or your eyes.
- If you’re a contact lens wearer, make sure you clean your contacts before and after wearing them.
- Never sleep with your contact lenses in your eyes.
- Rinse your eyes if any foreign objects enter them.
Corneal Ulcer FAQs
Can a corneal ulcer leave a scar?
How quickly can a corneal ulcer develop?
Can I wear contact lenses while I have a corneal ulcer?
Can a corneal ulcer come back after treatment?
What happens if a corneal ulcer is left untreated?
Schedule Your Appointment
Are you experiencing painful symptoms associated with a corneal ulcer? If so, please contact Advanced Eye Surgeons today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Gupta. We will work with you to diagnose and treat your symptoms in a timely fashion so you can return to your daily routine pain-free.
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If you have a question or would like to schedule an appointment, please fill out and submit our online form.
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