Insights into Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer (also known as keratitis) is an open sore on the cornea. The cornea covers the iris and the round pupil, much like a watch crystal covers the face of a watch. A corneal ulcer usually results from an eye infection, but severe dry eye or other eye disorders can cause it.

People at risk for corneal ulcers include:

• contact lens wearers
• people who have or have had cold sores, chicken pox or shingles
• people who use steroid eye drops
• people with dry eye
• people with eyelid disorders that prevent proper functioning of the eyelid
• people who injure or burn their cornea

If you wear contact lenses, safe handling, storage and cleaning of your lenses are key steps to reduce your risk of a corneal ulcer. It is important to learn how to take care of your contact lenses.

Corneal Ulcer Causes
You can prevent many causes of corneal ulcers. Use the correct protective eyewear when doing any work or play that can lead to eye injury. And if you wear contact lenses, it is important to care for your contact lenses correctly.

Corneal ulcers are usually caused by the following types of infections:

Bacterial infections: These are common in contact lens wearers, especially in people using extended-wear lenses.

Viral infections: The virus that causes cold sores (the herpes simplex virus may cause recurring attacks. These attacks are triggered by stress, an impaired immune system, or exposure to sunlight. Also, the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles (the varicella virus) can cause corneal ulcers.

Fungal infections: Improper use of contact lenses or steroid eye drops can lead to fungal infections, which in turn can cause corneal ulcers. Also, a corneal injury that results in plant material getting into the eye can lead to fungal keratitis.

Parasitic (Acanthamoeba) infections: Acanthamoeba are microscopic, single-celled amoeba that can cause human infection. They are the most common amoebae in fresh water and soil. When Acanthamoeba enters the eye it can cause a bad infection, particularly for contact lens users.

Abrasions or burns to the cornea caused by injury to the eye: Scratches, scrapes and cuts can become infected by bacteria and lead to corneal ulcers. These injuries can happen from fingernail scratches, paper cuts, makeup brushes and tree branches. Burns caused by corrosive chemicals found in the workplace and at home can cause corneal ulcers.

Bell’s palsy and other eyelid disorders that prevent proper eyelid function: If the eyelid does not function properly, the cornea can dry out, and an ulcer can develop.

Antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral eye drops are the treatments of choice. Sometimes your ophthalmologist will prescribe antifungal tablets. In other cases, they will treat you with an injection of medication near the eye.

Optometry: Open Access Journal deals with eyes and related structures which includes such as vision, processing information related to vision. Optometrists are health professionals provide care related to vision. They give a clear idea related to diagnosis, treatment and management of vision. Optometry journal deals with medications, vision tests and abnormalities of eye.

Manuscripts can be submitted online athttps://www.scholarscentral.org/submissions/optometry-open-access.html  or send an email attachment tooptometry@emedsci.com

Best wishes
Hannah
Journal Co-ordinator
Optometry: Open Access
ISSN: 2476-2075
omoa@emedicalsci.org