Corneal ulcers and infections

Bacterial keratitis; Fungal keratitis; Acanthamoeba keratitis; Herpes simplex keratitis

Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or a parasite.

• Acanthamoeba keratitis occurs in contact lens users. It is more likely to happen in people who make their own homemade cleaning solutions.
• Fungal keratitis can occur after a corneal injury involving plant material. It may also occur in people with a suppressed immune system.
• Herpes simplex keratitis is a serious viral infection. It may cause repeated attacks that are triggered by stress, exposure to sunlight, or any condition that lowers the immune response.

Corneal ulcers or infections may also be caused by:

• Eyelids that do not close all the way, such as with Bell's palsy
• Foreign bodies in the eye
• Scratches (abrasions) on the eye surface
• Severely dry eyes
• Severe allergic eye disease
• Various inflammatory disorders

Wearing contact lenses, especially soft contacts that are left in overnight, may cause a corneal ulcer.

Symptoms of infection or ulcers of the cornea include:

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Eye that appears red or bloodshot
• Itching and discharge
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Very painful and watery eyes
• White patch on the cornea

Your health care provider will do the following tests:

• Exam of scrapings from the ulcer
• Fluorescein stain of the cornea
• Keratometry (measuring the curve of the cornea)
• Pupillary reflex response
• Refraction test
• Slit-lamp examination
• Tests for dry eye
• Visual acuity

Blood tests to check for inflammatory disorders may also be needed.

Treatment for corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. Treatment should be started as soon as possible to prevent scarring of the cornea.

If the exact cause is not known, you may be given antibiotic drops that work against many kinds of bacteria.

Once the exact cause is known, you may be given drops that treat bacteria, herpes, other viruses, or a fungus. Severe ulcers sometimes require a corneal transplant.

Corticosteroid eye drops may be used to reduce swelling and inflammation in certain conditions.

Your health care provider may also recommend that you:

• Avoid eye makeup
• Do not wear contact lenses at all, or do not wear them at night
• Take pain medications
• Wear an eye patch to keep out light and help with symptoms
• Wear protective glasses

Many people recover completely and have only a minor change in vision. However, a corneal ulcer or infection can cause long-term damage and affect vision.

Untreated corneal ulcers and infections may lead to:

• Loss of the eye (rare)
• Severe vision loss
• Scars on the cornea

Call your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of corneal ulcers or an infection
• You have been diagnosed with this condition and your symptoms become worse after treatment

Things you can do to prevent the condition include:

• Wash your hands well when handling your contact lenses.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses overnight.
• Get prompt treatment for an eye infection to prevent ulcers from forming.