Corneal Ulcer

What is a corneal ulcer?

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.

What increases my risk for a corneal ulcer?

You may be at risk for a corneal ulcer if you have injured, scratched, or dry eyes. Your eye may be injured by objects such as contact lenses or an eyelash, or if you splash chemicals in your eye. You may also be at risk if you have medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Wrong use of topical eye medicines also puts you at risk for a corneal ulcer. Other risk factors are swollen eyelids, exposed eyes (you cannot blink), or recent eye surgery.

What are the signs and symptoms of a corneal ulcer?

The most common symptom is eye pain. You may also have the following:

• A feeling that you have something in your eye.
  
  
• Round, white spots or gray haze on your eye.
  
  
• Red, swollen, and watery eyes.
  
  
• Pus or red skin around your eye.
  
  
• Blurred or worsened vision.
  
  
• Eye pain in bright light.

How is a corneal ulcer diagnosed?

Your caregiver will examine your eye and ask about your symptoms. He may ask if you use contact lenses, if you have dry eyes, or if you have been burned by chemicals. He may also ask you if you have had any recent eye injury. You may also need the following:

• Slit-lamp test: This test uses a microscope to look into your eye and check for injury. A dye may be used to help your caregiver look for scratches or other damage to your eye.
  
  
• Contact lens culture: Your caregiver may take a sample of your contact lens to see if it caused your corneal ulcer.

How is a corneal ulcer treated?

Your caregiver may tell you to see an eye specialist right away to treat your corneal ulcer.

• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Pain medicines: Your caregiver may prescribe medicine to take away or decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.

What are the risks of a corneal ulcer?

Your condition may return or worsen after treatment. Your corneal ulcer may go deeper into your eye and damage your eye. It may cause tissue damage or scarring on your eye. Without treatment, you could lose your vision.

How can I manage my 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.

When should I follow-up with my eye specialist?

Follow up with your eye specialist within 1 day. 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.

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver if:

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

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

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

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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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.

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