CORNEAL ULCER |
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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.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this disorder, unless a corneal transplant becomes necessary (rare).
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSA 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 COMPLICATIONSNeglected 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 TREATMENTNone is usually necessary after diagnosis and prescription of medications.
HOME TREATMENTApply 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.
ACTIVITYAfter treatment, resume normal activity as soon as possible.
DIETNo 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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