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Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)

Kiran Eye Hospital > > Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)

Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)

What is Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)?

A corneal ulcer (keratitis) is an erosion or an open sore on the cornea which is the thin clear structure of the eye that refracts light. If the cornea becomes inflamed due to infection or injury, an ulcer may develop.

Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)

Treatments:

Symptoms of Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)

  • Redness
  • Pain
  • Watering
  • Gritty sensation
  • Blurry vision
  • Discharge
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Light sensitivity

Causes of Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)

  • Contact lenses

    contaminated solution, poor hygiene, over usage, sleeping with contact lenses on, using tap water or swimming with contact lens on. Wearing lenses for extended periods blocks the supply of oxygen to the cornea, making it susceptible to infections.

  • Trauma

    chemical injury, thermal burn, bee sting, animal tail, makeup or vegetative matter like the branch of a tree, sugarcane

  • Post-surgery

    delayed healing, loose sutures

  • Lid deformities

    inward or outward turning of eyelid, misdirection of eyelashes constantly rubbing over the cornea, incomplete closure of eyes

  • Decreased nerve supply to the cornea

    seen in diabetics and bell’s palsy patients

  • Allergic conjunctivitis

  • Vitamin A deficiency

  • Prolonged use of eye drops

    corticosteroids

  • Severe dry eyes

    caused by medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorder, vitamin A deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Risk factors of corneal ulcer (keratitis)

  • Injury or chemical burns
  • Eyelid disorders that prevent proper functioning of the eyelid
  • Dry eyes
  • Contact lens wearers
  • people who have or have had cold sores, chicken pox or shingles
  • Abuse of steroid eye drops
  • Diabetics

Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis) Prevention

  • Do not sleep with contact lenses on
  • Do not overuse contact lenses
  • Wash your hands before putting the lenses
  • Advised to use daily disposable lenses
  • Do not use tap water as lens solution
  • While riding a bike, wear eye protection or visor to prevent foreign bodies from entering the eye.
  • Do not rub your eye
  • Proper instillation of eyedrops. The nozzle of the eye drop bottle should not touch the eye or the finger
  • Use artificial tears in case of dry eyes
  • Wear protective eyewear when working with wood or metals, especially when using a grinding wheel, hammering on metal, or welding.
  • Do not use over-the-counter eye drops

Types of corneal ulcer (keratitis)

Multiple organisms are responsible for development of a corneal ulcer (keratitis).

The types of corneal ulcer (keratitis) are :

  • Bacterial – scratches or abrasion with fingernail, paper cuts, makeup brushes over the cornea when left untreated can lead to an ulcer. common in extended wear contact lens wearers
  • Fungal – injury to the cornea with any vegetative matter or improper use of steroid eye drops
  • Viral – the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles can cause ulcers too
  • Parasitic – infection caused by fresh water, soil or long standing contact lens used

FAQ

What are the complications of a corneal ulcer (keratitis)?

  • Scarring
  • Perforation
  • Cataract
  • Glaucoma
  • Intraocular haemorrhage

What is the prognosis of a corneal ulcer (keratitis)?

The prognosis for a corneal ulcer (keratitis) depends on its cause, its size and location, and how rapidly it is treated together with the response to treatment. Depending on the degree of scarring, patients might have visual disturbances. If the ulcer is deep, dense, and central, scarring will cause some permanent changes in vision.

How should one take care of the contact lens

  • Contact lens should not be overused ( max of 8 hours).
  • Do not sleep with lenses on
  • Patient should not rub his/her eyes while the contact lens is on.
  • Hand should be thoroughly washed before using contact lens
  • Do not share contact lens case
  • Every month the case and the solution should be changed
  • Do not use tap water or saliva if solution not available
  • Do not wear contact lens if infection already present
  • Long standing contact lenses should not be reused

What is the healing time for a corneal ulcer (keratitis)?

Depending on the cause of the ulcer and its size, location, and depth corneal ulcer (keratitis), it can take from 2 weeks to 2 months to heal.