Corneal ulcer

Corneal ulcer: symptoms, causes and treatment

A corneal ulcer is a serious eye disease that can cause vision problems. This condition is characterized by the formation of an ulcer on the surface of the cornea, the clear layer that covers the front of the eye and plays an important role in forming images on the retina.

Etiology and pathogenesis

A corneal ulcer usually develops as a result of an infected wound or other damage to the cornea by microbes such as bacteria or viruses. Microbes can also enter the damaged cornea from the conjunctival bursa or lacrimal ducts, especially with dacryocystitis. The breakdown of the infiltration and its rejection during superficial keratitis can also lead to the formation of an ulcer.

Symptoms and course

The main symptom of a corneal ulcer is pain in the eye, which can be very intense. Watery eyes and photophobia may also be noticeable. When examining the eye, you can detect pericorneal or mixed injection of the eyeball, sometimes chemosis of the conjunctiva. A more or less deep tissue defect on the surface of the cornea with a dull gray bottom and edges may also be visible. The cornea around the ulcer is cloudy and slightly swollen.

At first, the ulcer may be small, round or oblong, but later it can spread to a significant part of the cornea and take on a wide variety of shapes. A creeping ulcer of the cornea is characterized by rapid development. The progressive edge is undermined, loosened and surrounded by a strip of purulent infiltrate, and the opposite edge is clean. From the limbus, vessels begin to develop, approaching the nearest edge of the ulcer.

Treatment

Treatment of corneal ulcers is based on the same principles as for keratitis. For ulcers caused by bacteria, the doctor may prescribe a combination of polymyxin with gentamicin in the form of frequent instillations (25,000 units per 1 ml). If there is a tendency to perforate the ulcer, miotic agents can be used (1% pilocarpine solution 3-4 times a day). In more serious cases, surgery may be required.

Prevention

Timely and correct treatment of keratitis is an important condition for the prevention of corneal ulcers. If you have dacryocystitis (a source of possible infection of the cornea), surgery may be required. You should also avoid eye injuries and use personal protective equipment when working with hazardous substances or playing sports. Regular visits to your ophthalmologist and good eye hygiene will help prevent the development of corneal ulcers and other eye diseases.

In conclusion, a corneal ulcer is a serious eye disease that can lead to visual impairment. It usually develops as a result of a wound becoming infected or other microbial damage to the cornea. Treatment of corneal ulcers is based on the same principles as for keratitis, and timely and correct treatment of keratitis is an important condition for the prevention of this disease. If you notice symptoms of a corneal ulcer, contact your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

A corneal ulcer is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss. In this article, we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment of corneal ulcers. What is a corneal ulcer? A corneal ulcer is an acute inflammatory process that affects the inner surface of the cornea of ​​the eye. The cornea is the protective layer of the eye and allows light to enter the eye. The presence of a corneal ulcer can lead to decreased visual acuity, blindness, and even death. Corneal ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, such as infections, trauma, or chemical burns.

Symptoms of a corneal ulcer: - Eye pain, redness and swelling of the eye - Accumulation of pus and blood inside the eye - Decreased acuity