A corneal ulcer (keratitis) is an erosion or an open sore on the cornea which is the thin clear structure of the eye that refracts light. If the cornea becomes inflamed due to infection or injury, an ulcer may develop.
Symptoms of Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)
- Redness
- Pain
- Watering
- Gritty sensation
- Blurry vision
- Discharge
- Burning
- Itching
- Light sensitivity
Causes of Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)
- Contact lenses: Contaminated solution, poor hygiene, over usage, sleeping with contact lenses on, using tap water or swimming with contact lens on. Wearing lenses for extended periods blocks the supply of oxygen to the cornea, making it susceptible to infections.
- Trauma: Chemical injury, thermal burn, bee sting, animal tail, makeup or vegetative matter like the branch of a tree, sugarcane.
- Post-surgery: Delayed healing, loose sutures
- Lid deformities: Inward or outward turning of eyelid, misdirection of eyelashes constantly rubbing over the cornea, incomplete closure of eyes
- Decreased nerve supply to the cornea: Seen in diabetics and bell's palsy patients
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Prolonged use of eye drops: Corticosteroids
- Severe dry eyes: Caused by medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorder, vitamin A deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Risk Factors of Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)
- Injury or chemical burns
- Eyelid disorders that prevent proper functioning of the eyelid
- Dry eyes
- Contact lens wearers
- People who have or have had cold sores, chicken pox or shingles
- Abuse of steroid eye drops
- Diabetics
Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis) Prevention
- Do not sleep with contact lenses.
- Do not overuse contact lenses.
- Wash your hands before putting the lenses.
- Advised to use daily disposable lenses.
- Do not use tap water as lens solution.
- While riding a bike, wear eye protection or visor to prevent foreign bodies from entering the eye.
- Do not rub your eye.
- Proper instillation of eyedrops. The nozzle of the eye drop bottle should not touch the eye or the finger.
- Use artificial tears in case of dry eyes.
- Wear protective eyewear when working with wood or metals, especially when using a grinding wheel, hammering on metal, or welding.
- Do not use over-the-counter eye drops.
Treatment
Corneal ulcers require immediate medical attention. Treatment typically includes:
- Antibiotic or antifungal eye drops: Depending on the cause of the infection
- Pain management: To relieve discomfort
- Cycloplegic drops: To reduce inflammation and pain
- Bandage contact lens: In some cases to protect the cornea
- Surgery: In severe cases, corneal transplant may be necessary