Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is a wound in the surface of the eye.  The damage would be similar to a scrape or cut on your skin; both problems result in an unprotected wound.  The normal cornea is protected by a layer of tissue called the epithelium, sort of like “skin” over the deeper eye layers.

When the epithelium is damaged, infections can occur and result in complete perforation of the eye if left untreated.  Clinical signs of a corneal ulcer include: squinting, redness, cloudiness, tearing, and lethargy.  A special green stain can be used to highlight the ulcer on the cornea.

There are many causes of corneal ulcers such as injuries, abnormal eyelashes that irritate the surface, lack of tear production, infections and many types that we don’t understand very well.

Corneal ulcers are characterized according to location, depth, associated diseases, and cause.

Treatment of the ulcer depends on the type and depth of the ulcer.  Some corneal ulcers require simple application of medication to prevent infection and alleviate pain, whereas very deep corneal ulcers require surgically placed grafts to prevent full thickness perforation.  Indolent ulcers (chronic erosions) are superficial ulcers that tend to heal very slowly unless special techniques are performed such as minor surgical procedure called multiple punctate keratotomy (MPK), or placement of a bandage contact lens.

Antibiotics are usually dispensed to prevent infections.

You should observe the ulcer daily for comfort level, type of discharge from the eye, redness, and presence of the contact lens if one has been applied.