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A corneal ulcer, also known as ulcerative keratitis or eyesore, is a sore that forms on the surface of the cornea, the clear portion of the eye.
A corneal ulcer is typically the result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Other possible causes may include:
Corneal ulcers are more common in those who wear contact lenses, particularly when the lenses are not removed at night or cleaned properly.
Corneal ulcers can be very painful and may produce symptoms such as:
To diagnose a corneal ulcer, an examination with a slit lamp may be performed. A fluorescein stain to make the ulcer more visible may also be used. A sample of the ulcer tissue may be taken, and other testing may be conducted to analyze the cause of the ulcer.
The treatment for a corneal ulcer will vary depending on its underlying cause. Antibiotic eye drops are usually very effective at resolving an infection. Eye drops containing corticosteroids may also be necessary to alleviate swelling. In the most severe cases, corneal transplant surgery may be needed. Most patients who are treated for a corneal ulcer have no complications or long-term vision problems. If a corneal ulcer goes untreated, however, it can result in scarring and permanent vision loss.
