A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Eye Ulcer
Medical Questions » Eye Ulcer
| Name: Eye Ulcer |
| Also known as: Corneal Ulcer |
| Ulceration of the cornea, the transparent outside covering on the front of the eye. |
Causes of Eye Ulcer
Injuries to the surface of the eye (eg. scratch), or infections. Herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes, is the most common cause of all eye ulcers. Fungal infections causing ulcers are commonly seen in farm workers, but may develop in others when steroid eye drops are being used. Bacterial conjunctivitis seldom causes ulcers unless treatment is neglected. Two rare causes are a deficiency in vitamin A (eg. in people on fad diets, or with inability to absorb vitamin A because of diseases of the bile duct) which results in a very dry eye, and prolonged exposure of the eye in unconscious patients who do not blink. |
Symptoms of Eye Ulcer
Pain and watering in the eye, redness of the whites of the eye, and the discharge of sticky pus if an infection is responsible. |
Tests for Eye Ulcer
A swab may be taken from the eye to identify the organism responsible for an infection. |
Treatment for Eye Ulcer
Appropriate eye drops for bacterial and fungal eye infections. Serious Herpes virus infections can be treated with special anti-viral eye drops and ointment, and through a microscope, minor surgery to remove the active viral areas at the edge of the ulcer may be undertaken.
|
Complications of Eye Ulcer of its treatment
Permanent scarring of the cornea and reduced vision. If necessary, a scarred cornea can be surgically replaced by a corneal transplant. |
Likely Outcome of Eye Ulcer
Depend upon the cause and response to treatment. Ulcers caused by an injury usually heal within a few days without treatment. Most viral infections settle without treatment after a few weeks of discomfort, but in some patients, particularly those who are otherwise in poor health or on potent drugs for other serious diseases, the infection can steadily worsen to cause severe eye ulceration. Bacterial and fungal infections respond rapidly to treatment. Good result from corneal transplantation. |
|
|
