Corneal Ulcer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea of your eye. The cornea is the smooth, clear outer layer of your eye. A corneal ulcer may be caused by germs that get into your eye through a scratch or with wearing contact lenses.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: This group of medicine is also called NSAIDs. NSAIDs help decrease pain and swelling. You can buy this medicine without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people.
  
  
• Pain medicines: You may be given medicine to take away or decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotic eye medicine: This may be given as an eye drop or ointment. Antibiotic medicine helps prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• Cycloplegic eye medicine: This is an eye drop medicine that makes your pupil larger. Your pupil is the black circle in the center of the front of your eyeball. Widening your pupil may help decrease your pain and stop your eye muscles from twitching.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or eye specialist within 24 hours:

You may need to see your eye specialist every 1 to 3 days if your condition is severe. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

How to manage your corneal ulcer:

• Use a warm compress to help your eye feel better.
  
  
• Wear sunglasses or safety goggles to avoid another injury.
  
  
• Gently remove any crusty build up around your eye.
  
  
• Use eye drops as directed if you cannot blink or have dry eyes.
  
  
• Do not wear contact lenses until directed by your eye specialist Always clean your contact lenses with proper contact cleaner.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or eye specialist if:

• Your vision gets worse.
  
  
• Your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your pain becomes severe.
  
  
• You cannot see.
  
  
• You think your corneal ulcer is getting bigger.
  
  
• You injure your eye again.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Corneal Ulcer (Aftercare Instructions)