What is a Corneal Ulcer?

It is an open wound in the cornea, the transparent layer at the front of the eye. It usually occurs due to infection, trauma or contact lens use. Corneal ulcer It manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, redness, watering and blurred vision in the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Serious complications can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.

What are the symptoms of corneal ulcer?

There may be persistent and severe pain in the eye. Significant redness occurs in the white part of the eye. Decreased vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light (photophobia) may occur. Yellow, green, or white discharge may be present from the eye. Persistent watering and discomfort may occur in the eye. Swollen eyelids and a feeling of having a foreign object in the eye may also occur.

You may experience halos around light sources. You may also experience a persistent feeling of having a foreign object in your eye. Corneal ulcer symptoms If it occurs, it is important to see an ophthalmologist immediately. If not treated in time, it can lead to vision loss.

What Causes Corneal Ulcers?

It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites causing infection in the cornea. The risk of such infection increases especially when contact lens users do not follow proper hygiene rules. Scratching or injuring the cornea can increase the risk of infection and cause it to occur. The presence of foreign objects in the eye or trauma can cause these injuries. The risk increases due to insufficient tear production and insufficient moistening of the cornea. Long-term lens use or lens use in unhygienic conditions, corneal ulcer This can occur if the lenses are not cleaned properly or handled incorrectly.

Lack of proper care after eye surgery or infection can cause corneal infections. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to corneal infections, increasing the risk. Dry eyes, eye allergies, or certain chronic eye conditions can also cause the cornea to become sensitive and ulcerate. Corneal ulcer It is a serious condition and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to see an eye doctor immediately if you experience symptoms.

How Is a Corneal Ulcer Diagnosed?

The doctor listens to the patient's symptoms and asks about symptoms such as eye redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. He/she obtains information about the patient's eye trauma, contact lens use, or eye hygiene habits. The ophthalmologist examines the front surface of the eye in detail using a biomicroscope (slit lamp). This examination provides information about the location, size, and depth of the ulcer in the cornea. Fluorescent dye, applied in the form of eye drops, is used to detect damaged areas in the eye.

When examined with a slit lamp, the ulcerated area on the cornea appears bright green. If infection is suspected, the doctor takes a sample of the cornea. He/she may perform a microscopic examination and a culture test. This is important to determine the bacteria causing the infection and to plan appropriate treatment. These diagnostic methods, corneal ulcer helps to correctly identify and treat any problems that may occur.

How Are Corneal Ulcers Treated?

If corneal ulcer If it's caused by a bacterial or viral infection, your ophthalmologist will control the infection. They'll prescribe antibiotics or antiviral eye drops. Early treatment is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading. If it's caused by a fungus or parasite, antifungal or antiparasitic medications are used. These infections usually require longer-term treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe steroid eye drops to prevent inflammation and scarring that may occur during the healing process. However, these drops are not used in the early stages of the infection because they can worsen it.

An eye patch or protective lenses may be used to prevent further damage to the eye. This prevents further damage and helps the cornea heal. Artificial tear drops are used to reduce discomfort and help keep the eye moist. If healing continues despite treatment or if permanent scarring occurs, a corneal transplant is necessary to restore vision. In this case, the damaged corneal tissue is removed and replaced with new corneal tissue. Corneal ulcer During the treatment process, the instructions of the eye doctor should be followed exactly. In addition, the specified medications should be used regularly. Regular doctor check-ups should be performed considering the severity of the eye condition.

Things to Consider After Corneal Ulcer Treatment

Corneal ulcer It is usually treated with antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral drops. These drops are continued for a certain period after treatment to ensure complete resolution of the inflammation and prevent recurrence of the infection. It is crucial to use the medications at the correct time and dose. Touching the eyes with your hands can increase the risk of infection. Even if you experience itching or discomfort, avoid rubbing your eyes. Eye hygiene should be maintained. Contact lens wear may be prohibited for a period of time after treatment. Contact lenses should not be worn again without a doctor's approval. Because lenses can lead to infection, care should be taken in this regard.

Healing should be monitored with regular eye exams. These exams evaluate any scarring, changes in vision, or the risk of new infections. Sunlight, wind, dust, and smoke can negatively impact the healing process. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding windy environments can be beneficial for eye protection. Eye makeup should be avoided until healing is complete, and eye makeup should not be applied near the eyelash roots. These products can delay healing or lead to infection. Prolonged exposure to computer, phone, and television screens can cause dryness and fatigue in the eyes, which can slow down the healing process.

Screen time should be limited and eyes should be rested frequently. Avoid getting soapy or dirty water in the eyes while swimming in the pool, sea, or showering. Waterborne microorganisms can cause reinfection in healing tissue. If symptoms such as sudden eye pain, blurred vision, increased redness, or thick discharge occur after treatment, consult an ophthalmologist immediately. These symptoms may indicate a new infection or a complication. A strong immune system also positively impacts eye health. A balanced diet, adequate water intake, and quality sleep accelerate healing.