The cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, is crucial for focusing vision. It acts like a window, serving as a clear lens that allows light to enter the retina of the eye, thereby forming clear images.
When this delicate structure of the eye gets damaged or infected, it leads to various vision problems and discomfort, including blurry eyesight, redness, swelling and even pain.
One of the dangerous ailments that affects the cornea is a corneal ulcer. It is a condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complete blindness.
In this blog, we will delve into the causes, symptoms and treatment options for corneal ulcers to let you understand the disorder and seek medical attention from an experienced cornea eye specialist like those at Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centre.
Understanding Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer, also known as keratitis, is an open sore on the surface of the cornea. It is typically a wound or erosion caused due to a defect in the corneal epithelium that penetrates the stroma underneath.
The condition typically appears like a greyish white spot in the eye, often leading to severe vision problems and a number of other disorders like glaucoma, cataract, perforation or scarring and even the formation of synechiae.
When left untreated, corneal ulcers give rise to bacterial keratitis that gradually develops into endophthalmitis, resulting in complete blindness.
Warning Signs of Corneal Ulcers
The onset of the symptoms of corneal ulcers is sudden and develops rapidly, leading to several major complications, like the following:
- Minor to sharp eye pain
- Uncomfortable sensitivity to light
- Inflammation and redness in the eye
- Blurry and distorted vision
- Dendritic-shaped epithelial lesions
- Swelling of the eyelids
- A visible white grey spot in the cornea
- Foreign body sensation
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially after an eye injury or wearing contact lenses, reach out to a cornea eye specialist for a detailed evaluation.
Causes of Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers happen for a number of reasons. Here are the most common ones.
- Infections: The condition is primarily caused by infections with bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, which occur because of the following factors.
Bacterial infection: Commonly due to prolonged use of contact lenses, especially with poor lens hygience.
Viral infection: Herpes simplex virus often leads to recurrent corneal ulcers, which are often triggered due to stress, exposure to sunlight and other conditions that lower the immune response.
Fungal infections: More likely seen in individuals who work with plant materials or soil.
Parasitic infections: It is related to the unhygienic use of contact lenses and contaminated water.
- Injuries: Any injury, cuts, burns, and scratches make the eye more prone to infections, leading to ulcers in the cornea.
- Dry eye syndrome: Severe dry eyes leave the cornea more vulnerable to abrasions and infections.
- Incorrect contact lens use: Prolonged wearing of contact lenses or not cleaning them properly increases the risk of developing ulcers.
- Lack of Vitamin A: Low levels of Vitamin A in the body result in corneal swelling and sensitivity, which in turn lead to corneal ulcers.
Treatment Options
A cornea eye specialist begins the diagnosis of corneal ulcers with a thorough examination of the eye to inspect the cornea. In some cases, a sample of the ulcer from the surface of the eye is scraped off for testing in the lab.
Once the cause is identified, treatment involves the following:
Medications: This includes prescribing antibiotics or antiviral infections to treat the infections. Medicated eye drops are also recommended, especially at the early stage of the treatment.
Discontinuation of contact lenses: Patients who wear contact lenses are immediately asked to stop wearing them to promote healing during the treatment.
Surgery: In severe cases, patients require surgical intervention involving corneal transplant, where the damaged portion of the cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue.
Conclusion
Corneal ulcers are an emergency condition that requires urgent treatment. If you are dealing with the symptoms of corneal ulcer or suspect that to have them, contact a cornea eye specialist right away.
Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centre has a team of eye specialists who are experienced in treating a number of corneal disorders and ensure the best care to patients for vision restoration.