Corneal ulcer (patient information): Difference between revisions

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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Corneal ulcer|here]]'''
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Corneal ulcer|here]]'''
{{Corneal ulcer (patient information)}}


{{SI}}
{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' Erin Lord
 
{{EEL}}
 
{{EJ}}
 
==What is a corneal ulcer?==


==Overview==
A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the [[cornea]], the transparent area at the front of the eyeball that covers the [[iris]] and [[pupil]].
A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the [[cornea]], the transparent area at the front of the eyeball that covers the [[iris]] and [[pupil]].


==What are the symptoms of a corneal ulcer?==
==What are the symptoms of Corneal ulcer?==
 
Corneal ulcers are extremely painful due to nerve exposure, and can cause tearing and squinting.
Corneal ulcers are extremely painful due to nerve exposure, and can cause tearing and squinting.


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* Signs of anterior [[uveitis]], such as [[miosis]] (small pupil), [[aqueous flare]] (protein in the [[aqueous humour]]), and redness of the eye
* Signs of anterior [[uveitis]], such as [[miosis]] (small pupil), [[aqueous flare]] (protein in the [[aqueous humour]]), and redness of the eye


==What are the causes of a corneal ulcer?==
==What causes Corneal ulcer?==
 
Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]] or [[parasites]].  Because bacteria can more easily penetrate a damaged cornea than a healthy one, a corneal ulcer is more likely to occur after some type of injury or trauma to the eye (e.g. tiny scratches from foreign particles that enter the eye).
Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]] or [[parasites]]; the infection is more likely to occur after some type of injury to the eye.
 
[[Contact lens]] wear, especially soft [[contact lenses]] worn overnight or incorrectly, may cause a corneal ulcer. Additionally, a [[contact lens]] may damage the [[cornea]] as it rubs on the surface of the [[cornea]] upon removal. <ref>http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/corneal-ulcer.htm</ref>


Inappropriate [[contact lens]] wear (e.g. wearing the lenses overnight or not using proper hygiene when handling the lenses) may also lead to a corneal ulcer. Furthermore, a [[contact lens]] may damage the [[cornea]] as it scratches against the surface upon removal, thereby allowing easier bacterial penetration.
Examples of [[viruses]], [[fungi]], and [[parasites]] that can cause corneal ulcers are:
Examples of [[viruses]], [[fungi]], and [[parasites]] that can cause corneal ulcers are:


* [[Herpes simplex]] - This virus can lead to herpes simplex [[keratitis]], which is a serious [[viral infection]] that may cause repeated attacks that are triggered by [[stress]], exposure to [[sunlight]], or any condition that impairs the [[immune system]].   
* [[Herpes simplex]] - This virus can lead to [[Herpetic keratoconjunctivitis|herpes simplex keratitis]], which is a serious [[viral infection]] that may cause repeated attacks that are triggered by [[stress]], exposure to [[sunlight]], or any condition that impairs the [[immune system]].   
 
* [[Fusarium]] - These fungi have been associated with [[fungal keratitis]].  The infection can occur after a [[corneal]] injury involving plant material, or in [[immunosuppressed]] people.


* [[Acanthamoeba]] - These [[parasites]] can lead to [[acanthamoeba keratitis]] mostly in [[contact lens]] users, especially those who attempt to make their own homemade [[Contact lens#Care (cleaning and disinfection)|cleaning solutions]].  It can also cause problems for people who wear their [[contact lenses]] while swimming<ref>http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/corneal-ulcer.htm</ref>
* [[Fusarium]] - These fungi have been associated with [[fungal keratitis]].  The infection can occur after a [[corneal]] injury involving plant material, such as from a tree branch, or in [[immunosuppressed]] people.  


* [[Acanthamoeba]] - These [[parasites]] can lead to [[acanthamoeba keratitis]] mostly in [[contact lens]] users, especially those who attempt to make their own homemade[[Contact lens#Care (cleaning and disinfection)|cleaning solutions]].  It can also cause problems for people who wear their [[contact lenses]] while swimming.
Other causes of corneal ulcers include:
Other causes of corneal ulcers include:


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* Severe eye [[allergies]]
* Severe eye [[allergies]]
* Various [[inflammatory]] disorders
* Various [[inflammatory]] disorders
* Chemical burns that can injure the cornea


==Who is at risk for a corneal ulcer?==
==Who is at highest risk?==
People with poor eye [[hygiene]] and [[contact lens]] abusers (e.g. those who wear [[contact lens|contact lenses]] overnight) are at an increased risk of developing corneal ulcers.


People with poor eye [[hygiene]] and [[contact lens]] abusers (e.g. wears contact lenses overnight) are at an increased risk of developing a corneal ulcer.
Corneal ulcers are a common condition in humans, particularly those living in the tropics and in agrarian societies.  


Corneal ulcers are a common condition in humans particularly in the tropics and the agrarian societies.  
In developing countries, children afflicted by [[vitamin A]] deficiency are at a high risk for corneal ulcer and may become [[blind]] in both eyes, which may persist lifelong if not treated.


In developing countries, children afflicted by [[Vitamin A]] deficiency are at high risk for corneal ulcer and may become blind in both eyes, which may persist lifelong.
==Diagnosis==
 
A corneal ulcer is diagnosed by an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]] when performing certain tests, including:
==How to know you have a corneal ulcer?==
 
A corneal ulcer is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist when performing certain tests, including:
* Examination of scrapings from the ulcer
* Examination of scrapings from the ulcer
* Fluorescein stain of the [[cornea]]
* [[Fluorescein]] stain of the [[cornea]]
* [[Keratometry]] (measurement of the [[cornea]])
* [[Keratometry]] (measurement of the [[cornea]])
* [[Pupillary light reflex|Pupillary reflex]] response
* [[Pupillary light reflex|Pupillary reflex]] response
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[[Blood tests]] to check for [[inflammatory]] disorders may also be needed.
[[Blood tests]] to check for [[inflammatory]] disorders may also be needed.


==When to seek urgent medical care==
==When to seek urgent medical care?==
 
Call your health care provider if you develop [[impaired vision]], severe [[light sensitivity]], or eye pain.
Call your health care provider if you develop [[impaired vision]], severe [[light sensitivity]], or eye pain.


==Treatment options==
==Treatment options==
Treatment of corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. They should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further injury to the [[cornea]]. Patients usually start treatment with an [[antibiotic]] that is effective against many [[bacteria]]. More specific [[antibiotic]], [[antiviral]], or [[antifungal]] [[eye drops]] are prescribed as soon as the cause of the ulcer has been identified.


Treating corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. They should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further injury to the [[cornea]]. Patients usually start treatment with an [[antibiotic]] that is effective against many [[bacteria]]. More specific [[antibiotic]], [[antiviral]], or [[antifungal]] [[eye drops]] are prescribed as soon as the cause of the ulcer has been identified.
[[Corticosteroid]] [[eye drops]] may be used to reduce [[inflammation]] in certain conditions.  
 
[[Corticosteroid]] [[eye drops]] may be used to reduce [[inflammation]] in certain conditions. Severe ulcers may need to be treated with [[corneal transplantation]].


==Diseases with similar symptoms==
Severe ulcers may need to be treated with [[corneal transplantation]].


==Where to find medical care for a corneal ulcer==
==Where to find medical care for Corneal ulcer?==
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|yourdisease}}}}&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=65.008093,112.148438&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;spn=91.690419,149.414063&amp;z=2&amp;source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating yourdisease]
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Cornealulcer}}}}&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=65.008093,112.148438&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;spn=91.690419,149.414063&amp;z=2&amp;source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Corneal Ulcer]


==Prevention of a corneal ulcer==
==Prevention==
Contact lens wearers must be sure to wash their hands and pay very close attention to cleanliness while handling their [[contact lenses|lenses]] to prevent corneal ulcers. Also, [[contact lenses]] should not be worn overnight or when swimming, and eye lubricants should be used prior to [[contact lens|lens]] removal to avoid scratches due to dryness.


Prompt, early attention by an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]] for an eye [[infection]] may prevent ulcers from forming. Wash hands and pay very close attention to cleanliness while handling [[contact lenses]]. Avoid wearing [[contact lenses]] overnight.
Prompt, early attention by an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]] for an eye [[infection]] may prevent ulcers from forming.


==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)==
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
 
With proper, prompt treatment, the outlook is very good.  However, if left untreated, a corneal ulcer or [[infection]] can permanently damage the [[cornea]]. Untreated corneal ulcers may also perforate the eye (cause holes), resulting in the spread of the [[infection]] inside, increasing the risk of permanent visual problems.
Untreated, a corneal ulcer or [[infection]] can permanently damage the [[cornea]]. Untreated corneal ulcers may also perforate the eye (cause holes), resulting in spread of the [[infection]] inside, increasing the risk of permanent visual problems.


==Possible complications==
Possible complications include:
Possible complications include:
* Loss of the eye
* Loss of the eye
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==Sources==
==Sources==
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001032.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001032.htm
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{{WH}}
{{WH}}
{{WS}}
{{WS}}
[[Category:Patient Information]]
 
[[Category:Opthalmology]]
[[Category:Patient information]]
[[Category:Optometry]]
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]

Latest revision as of 21:08, 29 July 2020

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Corneal ulcer

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Corneal ulcer?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Corneal ulcer On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Corneal ulcer

Videos on Corneal ulcer

on Corneal ulcer

CDC on Corneal ulcer

Corneal ulcer in the news

on Corneal ulcer

Directions to Hospitals Treating Corneal ulcer

Risk calculators and risk factors for Corneal ulcer

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Erin Lord

Overview

A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the cornea, the transparent area at the front of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupil.

What are the symptoms of Corneal ulcer?

Corneal ulcers are extremely painful due to nerve exposure, and can cause tearing and squinting.

Other symptoms include:

What causes Corneal ulcer?

Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Because bacteria can more easily penetrate a damaged cornea than a healthy one, a corneal ulcer is more likely to occur after some type of injury or trauma to the eye (e.g. tiny scratches from foreign particles that enter the eye).

Inappropriate contact lens wear (e.g. wearing the lenses overnight or not using proper hygiene when handling the lenses) may also lead to a corneal ulcer. Furthermore, a contact lens may damage the cornea as it scratches against the surface upon removal, thereby allowing easier bacterial penetration. Examples of viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause corneal ulcers are:

Other causes of corneal ulcers include:

Who is at highest risk?

People with poor eye hygiene and contact lens abusers (e.g. those who wear contact lenses overnight) are at an increased risk of developing corneal ulcers.

Corneal ulcers are a common condition in humans, particularly those living in the tropics and in agrarian societies.

In developing countries, children afflicted by vitamin A deficiency are at a high risk for corneal ulcer and may become blind in both eyes, which may persist lifelong if not treated.

Diagnosis

A corneal ulcer is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist when performing certain tests, including:

Blood tests to check for inflammatory disorders may also be needed.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if you develop impaired vision, severe light sensitivity, or eye pain.

Treatment options

Treatment of corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. They should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further injury to the cornea. Patients usually start treatment with an antibiotic that is effective against many bacteria. More specific antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops are prescribed as soon as the cause of the ulcer has been identified.

Corticosteroid eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation in certain conditions.

Severe ulcers may need to be treated with corneal transplantation.

Where to find medical care for Corneal ulcer?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Corneal Ulcer

Prevention

Contact lens wearers must be sure to wash their hands and pay very close attention to cleanliness while handling their lenses to prevent corneal ulcers. Also, contact lenses should not be worn overnight or when swimming, and eye lubricants should be used prior to lens removal to avoid scratches due to dryness.

Prompt, early attention by an ophthalmologist or optometrist for an eye infection may prevent ulcers from forming.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

With proper, prompt treatment, the outlook is very good. However, if left untreated, a corneal ulcer or infection can permanently damage the cornea. Untreated corneal ulcers may also perforate the eye (cause holes), resulting in the spread of the infection inside, increasing the risk of permanent visual problems.

Possible complications

Possible complications include:

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001032.htm Template:WH Template:WS