A transparent dome-shaped structure in the front of the eye is called a cornea. A corneal ulcer occurs when an individual experiences an open sore or lesion on the cornea. Viruses, parasites, fungi, or bacteria usually cause this eye condition. Blurred vision, redness, and eye pain are the common symptoms of a corneal ulcer. If you ignore this condition it may lead to corneal scarring. In this article, we will talk about corneal ulcer treatments.
Treatment
Fortunately, a wide variety of treatments are available for this eye condition. However, it depends on the severity of the condition you suffer. In mild cases, physicians usually prescribe eye drops that may be used several times daily but in severe cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe a surgery.
Medicines
If the exact cause of your corneal ulcer is unknown, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops. Moreover, healthcare providers may prescribe corticosteroid eye drops to lessen eye inflammation (swelling) and redness. In most cases, antifungal eye drops are most effective against this eye disease.
In any case, corticosteroid eye drops (such as Prednisolone) may worsen eye infections including fungal disease and Herpes Simplex Keratitis. Do not use any corticosteroid eye drops without a physician’s approval.
Surgery
This treatment option usually is performed in severe corneal ulcers and eye drops are not effective. Surgery is usually necessary to prevent blindness and corneal scarring. Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) or amniotic membrane transplantation are surgical procedures that are usually prescribed by physicians to heal and restore the cornea’s integrity. In severe cases, if this eye condition leaves a scar on the cornea, it is used a cornea transplant. It means that the damaged cornea is replaced with a new one.
Recovery after Surgery
Thereafter, you should consult your doctor regularly to check your progress and if there are no complications due to the surgery. Sometimes, corneal ulcer treatments may lead to eye infection, glaucoma, or cataracts.
Treatment at Home
The following steps, you can follow to support a corneal ulcer treatment. For example:
- Apply a cold compress on the eye but keep away water from your eye.
- Do not rub or touch your eyes.
- Additionally, it is recommended to wash your hands frequently to decrease the risk of spreading the infection.
These steps can help alongside treatment only. Commonly, the corneal ulcer treatment consists of three stages. Talk to a healthcare provider for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What complications may occur if a corneal ulcer is not treated?
Do not ignore this eye condition because you may experience severe eye problems. For example:
- Corneal scarring
- Blindness
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Irregular astigmatism
- Vascularization or perforation, and others.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, talk with a healthcare professional immediately.
Can over-the-counter eye drops help treat corneal ulcers?
Prescription eye drops can treat this eye disease only. Using over-the-counter eye drops may worsen your condition. Ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions.
How can I prevent a corneal ulcer?
Check below some tips that can help to prevent this eye condition:
- Maintaining good eye hygiene
- Avoid eye trauma or injury
- If you experience eye infections, immediately consult a doctor
