A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, the clear dome that covers the colored iris of the eye. Corneal ulcers are often caused by an infection, such as one following a physical injury to the cornea.
Even seemingly minor injuries can cause corneal ulcers, and you should seek immediate medical attention at our clinic if you have an eye injury. Without proper treatment, a corneal ulcer can develop into a scar that impairs your vision or leads to cataracts or glaucoma.
What are the symptoms of corneal ulcers?
A corneal ulcer can cause the affected eye to be:
- Red and irritated.
- Painful
- Sensation of having a foreign body.
- Secretion of tears or pus.
- Blurred vision.
- Sensitivity to bright light.
You should consult one of our leading ophthalmologists in Santa Cruz de Tenerife if you have these symptoms and over-the-counter eye drops don't improve within a day. Prompt medical treatment for a corneal ulcer reduces the risk of long-term damage to your vision.
What are the causes of corneal ulcers?
Corneal ulcers are usually caused by a bacterial infection; inflammation of the cornea is also known as bacterial keratitis. They can also be caused by a viral infection, such as herpes, a fungal infection, or trauma. Infections are more common if you:
- You wear contact lenses and you don't take them out when you go to bed.
- You suffer from dry eye.
- Have you had corneal damage or eyelid surgery in the past?
- You have a weak immune system.
- You suffer from eye allergies.
An ulcer can also be caused by damage to the cornea from a foreign object or small particle.
How are corneal ulcers diagnosed?
A large ulcer may appear as a white spot on the cornea, but some ulcers can only be seen with a special lamp and dye in our specialist's office. To determine the cause of any underlying infection, our ophthalmologist may take a sample of the ulcer for analysis.
How are corneal ulcers treated?
The choice of treatment will depend on the cause of the ulcer. If a foreign body is causing the ulcer, our doctor will first remove the object. Corneal ulcers are usually treated with antibiotics, often administered as eye drops.
If the ulcer is caused by dirt, our doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication. Depending on the cause of the ulcer, the drops may contain antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals.
If you wear contact lenses and have a corneal ulcer, you should stop wearing them immediately. Avoid rubbing your eyes and wash your hands to prevent spreading any infection. A cold compress may provide some relief, as may over-the-counter pain relievers.
Corneal ulcers usually improve after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. An ulcer in the center of the eye may take longer. If the ulcer does not heal or leaves a significant scar on the cornea, one of our ophthalmologists may recommend corneal transplant surgery.
Can corneal ulcers be prevented?
You can help prevent corneal ulcers by taking care of your eyes and consulting one of our specialists immediately if your eyes appear to be infected or if you have anything in them.
If you or a member of your family are experiencing symptoms of corneal ulcers, we welcome you to our Ophthalmology Clinic located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife . Contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our professionals. You'll receive the best ophthalmological care in the Canary Islands!
