Ragenos ulcer
Symptoms
- Grey or white spot on the eye
- Eye redness
- Feels like something got on your eye
Reasons
Most common bacterial infections
Diagnostics
Determined by a thorough eye examination
What is a corneal ulcer?
A painful wound on the cornea (the cornea is the clear layer at the front of the eye), the outer surface of the eye. It looks like a grey or white spot and may feel as if something has been in the eye. It is most common in contact lens wearers and needs to be looked after properly.
What are the symptoms of corneal ulcers?
- It feels like something has been caught in the eye;
- A grey or white spot on the cornea;
- Eye inflammation or redness;
- Eye pain or discomfort;
- Eye “dripping” (discharge from the eye);
- Blurred vision;
- Light sensitivity.
Symptoms of an eye infection may precede the development of an eye ulcer. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your eye care professional or general practitioner as soon as possible.
What causes corneal ulcers?
The most common causes of corneal ulcers:
- Bacterial infections;
- Viral infections;
- Eye injuries or small scratches on the eye;
- Dry eye syndrome.
Contact lens wearers are at a higher risk of developing corneal ulcers, especially if they do not practice good hygiene or wear contact lenses for too long. In such cases, bacterial infections are the most common cause of corneal ulcers.
How is the diagnosis of corneal ulcers performed?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should see an eye care professional, a general practitioner or an ophthalmologist as soon as possible for advice and treatment.
What help is available?
Medical eye drops are routinely used to treat the viral or bacterial cause of corneal ulcers. If you wear contact lenses, you should take the lenses themselves and their case with you to identify the type of bacteria that caused the corneal ulcer. Only when the ulcer has completely healed should you start wearing a brand new contact lens. It would be a good idea to avoid using eye make-up and touching your eye unnecessarily during the treatment period.
If you wear contact lenses, it is important that you take good care of your lenses by cleaning them, replacing the case regularly and making sure you do not exceed the recommended wearing time. This will help to reduce the chances of developing corneal ulcers.
Preventive screening can help to detect diabetic retinopathy in time, before vision changes occur. If detected early enough, proper control of the condition can prevent its progression.
Take care of your eyes!
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Frequently asked questions
What is a corneal ulcer?
A painful wound on the cornea, on the outer surface of the eye. It looks like a grey or white spot and may feel as if something has got into the eye. It is most common in contact lens wearers and needs to be cared for properly.
Why do corneal ulcers occur?
A corneal ulcer is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections. Contact lens wearers are at a higher risk of developing corneal ulcers, especially if they do not practice good hygiene or wear contact lenses for too long.
How are corneal ulcers treated?
A corneal ulcer is treated with medicated eye drops or, if medications do not work, surgery.
