Cornea is the transparent portion which is located in the front portion of the eyeball. Corneal ulcers are nothing but an open sore in this outer layer of the eye. The ulcers are formed only when the corneal surface gets damaged or compressed.
Ulcers are also called as infilterates as they can be caused due an immune response which can cause accumulation of fluids and cells in an area where they do not normally belong. Ulcers can be either sterile or infectious.
Infectious ulcers are normally caused due to bacterial infections. Such infections are normally very painful and are can break epithellium which is the upper most layer of the cornea. In severe cases, the anterior chamber of the cornea also gets damaged. Some bacteria like Pseudomonas are so dangerous that even result in blindness within 24 — 28 hrs. of infections if not handled properly within this span of time.
Sterile infections or ulcers are less infective and cause less pain. These are located normally at the peripheral edges of the corneal and they do not necessarily break up the epithelial layer.
Causes Of Corneal Ulcers:
Some of the causes are corneal ulcers are:
- Persons who wear contact lenses are at a greater risk of getting infected as use of lenses with dirty hands, can infect lenses which in turn can be transfered to your cornea.
- People suffering from dry eyes, herpes simplex virus are more prone to get such ulcers.
Injury to cornea or some other systemic disease can also result in ulcer formations.
Symptoms Of Corneal Ulcers:
Some of the symptoms of corneal ulcers includes:
- Redness in eye
- Excessive pain ( not in all cases)
- Tearing
- Discharge from the eyes
- In severe cases white spots will be noticed on cornea.
- Eyes will become sensitive to light.
Treatment Of Corneal Ulcers:
The treatment of corneal ulcers includes use of anti bacterial drops at every fifteen minutes in case of bacterial ulcers whereas for sterile ulcers steriod medications can be taken. Antibiotics can also be taken but in severe cases hospitalization must be done and proper care is necessary.
