What is it
Corneal ulcer
A corneal ulcer is an open wound on the cornea that often results from an eye infection, although it can also be caused by severe dry eyes, among other factors. Corneal ulcers can aggressively and permanently damage vision and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness.
When tissue loss occurs, it is referred to as corneal injury. Symptoms of a corneal ulcer include redness, severe pain and inflammation, foreign body sensation, tearing, discharge, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, swelling of the eyelids, as well as a white spot on the cornea that may or may not be visible.
People who are at a higher risk of corneal ulcers are those who wear contact lenses, suffer from dry eyes, disorders in the functioning of the eyelids, or who have previous injuries to the cornea, mainly.
Treatment
Medical treatment usually consists of antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral drops. In some cases, the ophthalmologist may prescribe antifungal tablets or give an injection of medication into the eye area.
Once the infection improves or goes away, anti-inflammatory drops may be prescribed to help decrease swelling and prevent scarring. If this condition causes pain, the specialist may prescribe medication orally.
If symptoms persist after treatment, you should see your eye doctor without delay for a new assessment.
When the corneal ulcer cannot be treated with medication, corneal transplant surgery is the most recommended option for restoring vision. This surgical procedure involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy cornea from a donor.
Other pathologies
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