A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea and if this infection is left untreated, it can be sight-threatening and can lead to complete loss of vision. The cornea is like the windshield of the eyes which protects the eyes from against dirt, germs, and other things that can cause damage to the eyes. Contact lenses, injuries, disorders and infections can cause open sores to form on the cornea. An eye examination is the best way to confirm the presence of a corneal ulcer.
Book appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata to keep your corneas healthy
A corneal ulcer is very small and a doctor will use a slit lamp see damaged areas of the cornea clearly. If you suspect that a foreign object is in your eyes, then you must immediately see a doctor. Consult eye doctors at Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata, to keep your corneas healthy. To book an appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us.
Here are 8 things about corneal ulcer that you need to know:
1. A corneal ulcer looks like a grey or white area on a transparent cornea. Without magnification and illumination, it is difficult to see small corneal ulcers. Though it is difficult to see a corneal ulcer, the symptoms associated with the condition are often severe and, therefore, should not be ignored. Some of the common symptoms are following
- Inflammation in the affected eye
- Soreness in the eyes
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- White or grey spot on your cornea
- Puffed eyelids
- Watery discharge from the affected eye
- Light sensitivity
- Sensation in the eyes
2. There are several causes of a corneal ulcer. Besides bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, eye injury, dry eyes and eye trauma can also cause a corneal ulcer. People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk for developing corneal ulcers due to bacterial as well as infections. Contact lenses may cause abrasion on the cornea, enabling bacteria to enter the eyes.
3. A corneal ulcer can be also be caused to inward growth of an eyelash. In such a case the eyelash is removed from the root. However, if it grows back, then a low-voltage electrical current is used to destroy the eyelash from the root completely.
4. Your ophthalmologist will use an orange dye to check whether you a corneal ulcer. This dye will be placed on the surface of your eyes. Then your eye doctor will use a slit-lamp to shine a special light onto your eyes. If the orange dye will show green under the violet light then it’s an indication of corneal damage. The doctor may also take a tiny tissue sample to identify the cause of your corneal ulcer. If it’s an infection, then the doctor will properly treat the infection.
5. Treatment of a corneal ulcer depends on the cause and antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral eye medication will be prescribed accordingly. The doctor may also suggest a few eye drops. To reduce the pain, the doctor may also suggest a few painkillers. If there’s any sudden change that you observe during the treatment, you must immediately inform your ophthalmologist.
6. During the treatment, the doctor may advise you against wearing contact lenses, eye makeup and taking certain medications. You may also have to avoid rubbing or touching the affected eye.
7. If the infection has gone and the ulcer has healed but still there’s a scar on the cornea, then the doctor may suggest you a corneal transplant. The scar will make it difficult for you to have a clear vision and thus the damaged corneal tissue will be replaced with healthy corneal tissue.
8. The best way to prevent a corneal ulcer is to seek medical treatment at the earliest. Avoiding contact lenses and cleaning your contacts and your hands before and after wearing them can avoid germs and dirt. Rinse your eyes if you feel that there’s any foreign object stuck in them.
An eye examination can help you keep you and your family’s eyes healthy. To know about LASIK eye surgery cost, schedule an appointment at Disha Eye Hospitals. To know more about us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.