Corneal Ulcer Information and Treatment

Corneal ulcers are a often problem in veterinary medicine. A corneal ulcer is a spilt in the outer layer or epithelium of the cornea. Corneal ulcers are most usually due to infection, which may include bacteria, viruses, fungi, or amoebas. It is a familier condition in humans particularly in the tropics and the agrarian societies. In developing countries, corneal ulcer is frequently the cause of great morbidity as well as economic loss to the person and family. There are many causes of corneal ulcers such as injuries, abnormal eyelashes that irritate the surface, lack of tear production and infections.

 Corneal ulcers are characterized according to location, depth, related diseases, and cause. Improper use of contact lenses has become a common cause of corneal injury. Eyelid or tear function failure is the other way to make the eye vulnerable to infection. The early signs of a corneal ulcer include discomfort and irritation of the eyes. This can quickly lead to watering of the eyes, a discharge forming, pain and sensitivity to light. Treatment of corneal ulcer depends on causes or symptoms.

Some times anti-inflammatory medicines will be offered and steroidal preparations to help decrease the irritation and inflammation of the cornea. Medications may then be changed to more specifically target the cause of the infection. A combination of medications may be necessary. Corneal transplantation may be necessary to restore vision. If the corneal ulcer is large, hospitalization may be necessary. Steroid medications are avoided in cases of infectious ulcers. In infection by fungi, treatment is topical instillation of natamycin for Fusarium, Cephalosporium, and Candida.

In infection by varicella-zoster virus, topical sulfonamide ointment is applied three or 4 times everyday to cure infection. In infection by fungi, treatment is topical implantion of natamycin for Fusarium, Cephalosporium, and Candida. In many other cases, antibacterial eye drops are utilized every 15 minutes. Self-Care treatment is also important corneal ulcer. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately. Do not handle or rub your eye with your fingers and restrict spread of infection by washing your hands often and drying them with a clean towel. Apply cool compresses to the affected eye.