Our eyes are an indispensable part of our body. They help us see and enjoy the world. So, when something goes wrong with our eyes, it is natural to feel scared. Corneal ulcer is one such serious condition that can affect our eyes. In this blog, we have tried to explain everything you need to know about a corneal ulcer, its symptoms, and causes. It also includes prevention tips from a cornea specialist in Chandigarh.
What is a Corneal Ulcer?
Let’s start by understanding the cornea. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped layer that covers the front of your eye. It is like a window that helps light enter your eye so that you can see clearly.
A corneal ulcer is like having a crack in this window. It is an open sore or wound that develops on the cornea. It is like a painful cut or infection in the outermost layer of the eye. We rarely bother about a minor sore or cut on any other part of our body, but when it is about the eye, it can be quite dangerous – if not treated in time. If ignored, it can lead to serious vision loss – even blindness.
What are the Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers?
Signs of corneal ulcer vary widely. Here are the most common ones:
- Redness in the eye
- Watery or teary eye (epiphora)
- Eye pain (ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain)
- Feeling as if something is stuck in the eye (sensation of a foreign object)
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Swollen or inflamed eyelids (blepharitis)
- A white or grey spot on the cornea (it may not always be visible, and right equipment are required to see it)
If you notice any of these symptoms, you must consult an eye doctor immediately. The sooner you get help, the better would be your chances of saving your vision.
What Causes a Corneal Ulcer?
There can be numerous causes of a corneal ulcer. However, they can be segregated into two main categories: infectious and non-infectious.
Infectious Causes
Infectious causes are conditions that spread from one person to another. That means you may get them from somebody, and spread to others. Infectious causes include:
- Bacteria
The most common bacteria that could result in a corneal ulcer are Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Some of them are always present in our environment but cause harm if the cornea is injured.
- Viruses
Common viruses, such as Herpes simplex viruses (responsible for cold sores and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster virus (that also causes chickenpox and shingles) can cause corneal ulcers.
- Fungi
Getting infected by fungi like Candida and Aspergillus from plants and soil while gardening can be a reason behind a corneal ulcer. It could be cause for concern particularly for people with suppressed immune systems.
- Parasites
Acanthamoeba family parasites are the major cause of parasitic corneal ulcers. People who swim or shower with their contact lenses on are particularly at risk, irrespective of whether they swim in natural water bodies or man-made swimming pools. It is because Acanthamoeba can survive in water with low levels of chlorine. Even tap water is not free from them, which is why tap water should not be used to clean or store contacts.
Noninfectious Causes
Corneal ulcers can also occur without an infection. Here are some examples:
- Eye Injuries
Getting dust, sand, or something else in your eye may result in eye injury. Also, you may happen to injure your eyes with fingernails, makeup brushes, or other sharp objects. Eye injuries may also occur if you rub your eyes too hard.
If burns, corneal abrasions or scratches, lacerations or cuts, and punctures do not heal properly, they could lead to a corneal ulcer. Also, they make eyes more prone to infections, which can result in the formation of corneal ulcers.
- Exposure
Your inability to close your eyes properly (due to a condition called lagophthalmos) leaves your corneas exposed for extended periods. It could damage the corneal surface. Additionally, damage due to exposure can also happen in extremely hot or cold conditions.
- Very Dry Eyes
You may get excessively dry eyes due to weather, some eye conditions, or a combination of both. Although dry eyes may not sound dangerous, lack of enough tears to keep the surface moist can lead to tiny cracks in the cornea, which may develop into ulcers.
- Toxic Effects
You may get a corneal ulcer from toxic substances, or sometimes, due to some medicines you are taking.
- Immune Conditions
A malfunctioning immune system could cause eye inflammation. This can weaken your corneal tissue, making it susceptible to ulcer formation.
- Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, you must handle them with care. Sleeping in lenses, not cleaning them properly, or using expired lens solution can increase the risk of infection, and you could get corneal ulcers.
What are the Risk Factors?
While anyone can get corneal ulcers, risk is higher for:
- Contact lens users, especially if you wear them for long periods, sleep or swim with contacts on, or do not handle them properly
- People with eye injuries or a habit of frequent eye rubbing
- Those with a current or past virus infection (varicella-zoster or herpes simplex)
- Individuals who have dry eyes due to any reason
- Those with conditions that do not allow them to fully close their eyes
- People who are using or have recently used steroid-containing eye drops
- Diabetics (Type 2 diabetes)
- Those with a history of eye surgery
- People with a history of other eye conditions, especially corneal diseases
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Individuals living in dusty or polluted environments
- Farmers or outdoor workers (due to exposure to plant material or injuries)
Why Should You Take It Seriously?
A corneal ulcer is not a simple eye problem. If left untreated, it can lead to several complications:
- Severe eye pain and infection
- Permanent scarring of the cornea
- Astigmatism or other vision issues
- Glaucoma
- Partial or complete vision loss
- The need for a corneal transplant
How to Prevent a Corneal Ulcer?
A corneal ulcer should not be brushed aside as a minor issue. It is very important to take precautionary measures. Here are some simple tips to protect your eyes:
- Always wash your hands before touching your eyes and contact lenses
- Clean and store your contact lenses properly
- Never sleep, swim, or shower with your contact lenses on
- Protect your eyes from dust and injuries – use sunglasses or other protective gear
- Don’t ignore any eye pain, redness, or changes in vision – see a doctor promptly
- Avoid using over-the-counter eye drops without consulting an eye specialist
Final Thoughts
A corneal ulcer can be painful and frightening, but it is treatable – especially if caught early. Take care of your eyes and approach a trusted eye specialist if you have the slightest doubt about your vision. When it is about eyes, nothing should be taken lightly.
Your eyes are an invaluable gift of God- don’t ignore them.
