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If you use contact lenses and wake up one morning with eye discharge, redness, and pain, schedule an appointment with Texas Eye and Cataract. Among other causes, it could be a corneal ulcer.
An ulcer in the cornea is a scratch on the external layer of the cornea. This can happen in cases of eye trauma or eye infection, when mechanical trauma and microbes break down the corneal surface. The typically transparent cornea begins to look grayish or white, obstructing the vision at varying degrees.
The most common cause is infection of either bacteria or fungus. An injury to the eyeball can cause corneal ulcers by becoming an entry point for bacterial infections.
Anyone wearing contact lenses is at a higher risk, especially if used for very extended periods or overnight, increasing the risk of infection. Some contact lens wearers undergo microtrauma and small scratches in the corneal surface without realizing it, but these scratches can harbor bacteria and ultimately cause a corneal ulcer. Contact lens users should practice good hygiene, such as washing hands before handling their contact lenses and disinfecting appropriately.
Other microorganisms can cause corneal ulcers, including the herpes virus and parasitic infections by Acanthamoeba. This parasite lives in swimming pools, tap water, and hot tubs and can cause a severe case of corneal ulcer.
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The most relevant risk factors include:
The most important symptoms are:
As an important step of your diagnosis and management, the optometrist or ophthalmologist will get all of the details, examining the ulcer to determine the location and severity. Treatment includes the following measures:
When the infection is controlled with topical antibiotics, the outlook is good. However, severe or complicated infections are not always responsive and may require a longer treatment duration, lasting several weeks or months. Glaucoma and cataracts can cause further complications, and permanent visual loss is a possibility in cases of irreversible scarring. In such cases, patients will be evaluated to receive corneal transplants, after which they will need visual rehabilitation.It’s the right time for clearer vision
Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer all your questions about which procedure is best for you, and ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible. Make an appointment today!
At Texas Eye and Cataract, we know how important it is to see life with clear vision. We understand that being your best means seeing your best.
At Texas Eye and Cataract, we know how important it is to see life with clear vision. We understand that being your best means seeing your best.
