Corneal ulcers refer to painful open sores on the cornea. These can lead to permanent damage, visual impairment, and even blindness if not treated promptly. Corneal ulcers are typically caused by infections, improper eye hygiene, or physical injury to the eye. It is crucial to recognise early signs and symptoms to take appropriate treatment measures.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the early symptoms of corneal ulcers, along with their causes and treatment methods.
Corneal Ulcer Symptoms
Here are some common symptoms you can look out for:
- Excessively teary or watery eye
- Eye Pain
- Redness in the eye
- Foreign object sensation in the eye (feeling like a hair or dust particle is stuck in your eye)
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Swollen or inflamed eyelids
- A white or grey spot on the cornea (might not always be visible)
Corneal Ulcer Treatment
The treatment for corneal ulcers depends on their cause. Here are some commonly used treatment strategies that can safeguard your vision:
- Medication: These include antibiotic eye drops or oral medication for bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasite-induced corneal ulcers. You might also be prescribed some steroid eye drops to prevent scarring and reduce inflammation.
- Scleral or bandage contact lenses: These are special lenses that your doctor might prescribe as an added layer of protection to safeguard your eyes from further damage. These lenses also facilitate faster healing.
- Surgery: In severe cases, when the corneal ulcers are not healing through medication alone, a corneal transplant may be necessary.
When to Visit a Doctor?
You must consult a specialist as soon as you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Early detection of corneal ulcers helps prevent visual impairment. Schedule an appointment at Sohana Hospital for the expert cornea specialists.
Sohana Eye Hospital provides world-class care for a range of eye conditions. Equipped with advanced diagnostics & state-of-the-art treatment facilities, a dedicated team of 16+ ophthalmologists and surgeons treat a multitude of conditions with precision and expertise.
Corneal Ulcer Recovery Time
Corneal ulcer healing time can range from a few weeks to several months. The exact recovery timeline depends on the corneal ulcer’s size, severity, and type of treatment implemented. Your eye doctor will give you a specific timeline depending on your case. During the given timeframe, you will be required to adhere to certain restrictions to facilitate faster healing.
