Corneal Ulcer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A corneal (kor-nee-ull) ulcer is an open sore on the cornea (kor-nee-uh). The cornea is the thin, colorless covering of the eye. An injury to your eye like a poke or a scratch may cause an ulcer. Corneal ulcers may happen if you wear contact lenses, especially extended wear lenses. Sometimes, the virus that causes cold sores around the mouth also causes corneal ulcers.
  
  
• With a corneal ulcer you may have bad eye pain, blurred vision, tearing, or jerking of your eyelid. Bright light may hurt your eyes. The white of your eye may be red and you may have clear, yellow, or green-colored fluid coming from your eye. With treatment, it is usually cured in 2 to 3 weeks. Without treatment, you could have long-term vision (seeing) problems. It is a serious eye problem.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

• Medicines :
  
  
  • Keep a written list of what medicines you take and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines. Do not take any medicines without first talking to caregivers.
    
    
  • Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking it until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), take them until they are all gone even if you feel better.
    
    
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or swelling. These medicines may be bought without a caregiver's order. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.
    
    
  • If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• Follow your caregiver's orders carefully. Otherwise, the ulcer may go through the cornea and allow the infection to enter the eyeball. This could cause permanent loss of vision (seeing).
  
  
  • Your caregiver may have you use cool or warm compresses to help relieve your pain.
    
    
  
  
• Wash your hands often and dry them with a clean towel. Do not touch your eyes with your fingers. This will help prevent infections from happening.
  
  
• Rest your eyes as much as possible until the infection is gone.
  
  
  • Do not read or watch television for long periods of time.
    
    
  • Wear dark glasses to protect your eyes from bright light.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your eye is still painful after treatment.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have new or unexplained symptoms.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• The pain in your eye gets worse.
  
  
• You have changes in your vision.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page