How to Prevent Corneal Ulcer Keratitis

When the cornea, which is the clear dome that covers the iris and the round pupil, has an open sore, it is called a Corneal Ulcer Keratitis. This eye condition usually is a result of an eye infection but can be caused by a severe dry eye condition or other eye disorders as well. You may experience symptoms like redness of the affected eye, severe pain, soreness or tearing. A pus or discharge, blurred vision, light sensitivity, swollen eyelids, or a white spot on the cornea that may or may not be visible in the mirror are some more symptoms you can look out for.

Let’s understand the causes of this Corneal Ulcer Keratitis:

• Bacterial infections – A common occurrence in contact lens wearers, especially in people using extended-wear lenses. 
• Viral infections – Recurring attacks may be caused by the virus that causes cold sores (the herpes simplex virus), chicken pox, and shingles (the varicella virus). These attacks are triggered by stress, an impaired immune system, or exposure to sunlight.
• Fungal infections – Improper use of contact lenses or steroid eye drops leading to fungal infections can cause corneal ulcers.
• Parasitic (Acanthamoeba) infections – A microscopic, single-called amoeba called Acanthamoeba, which is most common in fresh water and soil, can cause infection if it enters the human eyes. Contact lens users in particular are prone to such infections.
• Abrasions or burns to the cornea – Scratches, scrapes, and cuts from fingernails, paper cuts, makeup brushes, and tree branches can become infected by bacteria and lead to corneal ulcers. This condition can also be caused by burns from corrosive chemicals found in the workplace and at home. 
• Bell’s palsy and other eyelid disorders – Improper eyelid function can dry out the cornea, and an ulcer can develop.
• Dry eye syndrome – Cause of infection if left untreated.

How you can prevent Corneal Ulcer Keratitis:

Consider the following measures:

• Do not touch your eyes with dirty, unwashed hands.
• Clean your contact lenses properly and never sleep wearing them.
• Use protective eyewear during activities that may cause eye injury or expose eyes to contaminated water.
• Use eye drops if you have dry eye syndrome.
• Seek immediate medical attention in case of eye injuries or infections to prevent complications.

This eye condition can be treated by antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops, or with antifungal or antiviral prescription tablets. In other cases, an injection of medication near the eye is also given. Pain medication may also be prescribed by your ophthalmologist to be taken by mouth to reduce pain. A corneal transplant surgery is also one of the treatments for Corneal Ulcer Keratitis if the condition cannot be treated with medication. This eye condition can badly and permanently ruin your vision and lead to blindness if left untreated. Hence, it is important to seek immediate attention and treatment at a good Eye Hospital like Infigo.