What It Is
A corneal ulcer is an open sore that develops on the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, most commonly caused by infection.
How It Develops
The cornea can become damaged or ulcerated when its protective outer layer is breached, allowing bacteria, viruses, fungi, or, less commonly, parasites to infect the underlying tissue. This can occur following an eye injury, from prolonged or improper contact lens use, or as a complication of certain underlying eye conditions that leave the cornea more vulnerable to infection.
General Symptoms
Common symptoms of a corneal ulcer include eye pain, redness, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and sometimes a visible white or gray spot on the cornea. A feeling of something being in the eye is also commonly reported.
General Treatment Approaches
A corneal ulcer is generally treated with medicated eye drops targeted at the specific underlying cause, such as antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral drops depending on the type of infection identified. Prompt treatment is generally emphasized, given the potential for corneal ulcers to affect vision if not addressed. In more severe or non-healing cases, further specialized treatment may be needed.
Background
Corneal infections and ulcers have been recognized throughout much of recorded medical history, though understanding of their specific infectious causes only developed following the growth of microbiology in the 19th century. The development of antibiotic and antifungal eye medications through the 20th century transformed treatment outcomes considerably, and corneal ulcers, once a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, are now generally treatable when identified and managed promptly.