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Below are links to pages that speak to diseases, conditions, treatments and procedures that we commonly see in the field of retina specialty. While many of the diseases we treat or services we provide are not listed, we are continually adding to this section to provide further educational materials to improve your health care experience.
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Eye Care Instructions for a Corneal Ulcer
What is a corneal ulcer?
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea.
A corneal ulcer needs treatment right away to prevent serious eye damage.
What causes a corneal ulcer?
Most corneal ulcers are caused by an infection in the eye. The infection may be caused by a bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasites. Infections are common in people who wear contact lenses, particularly extended-wear lenses. Conditions that cause dry eyes can also lead to a corneal ulcer. An eye that produces fewer tears has fewer defenses against germs that can cause an infection. Cleaning contact lenses with tap water or swimming with contact lenses in can also increase the risk of infection.
What are the signs of a corneal ulcer?
-
A corneal ulcer may cause
- Redness in the eye
- Severe pain
- A feeling that something is in the eye
- Tears
- Pus or a thick discharge draining from the eye
- Blurry vision
- Pain when looking at bright lights
- Swollen eyelids
- A white, round spot on the cornea (only visible if the ulcer is very large)
How can I prevent a corneal ulcer?
- Corneal infections are the most serious complication of wearing contact lenses. That is why proper use and care of contact lenses is critical to preventing a corneal ulcer.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or lenses.
- Never use saliva to wet your lens. Bacteria from your mouth may infect your eye.
- Remove lenses from your eyes every night. Clean and store them in disinfecting solution. Never sleep while wearing contact lenses.
- Clean your contact lens storage case regularly.
- If you have dry eyes, use re-wetting solutions to keep your eye moist.
- Even with adequate treatment, the cornea heals with scarring and depending on the location of the ulcer, vision may be affected.
- See an eye professional right away if you have any damage or trauma to your eye. If your eye professional is not available, go to the ER immediately as waiting a few hours could be devastating.