Corneal Ulcer

Corneal ulcer is a defect of corneal epithelium and stroma, usually infective (bacterial/viral/fungal) or due to contact lens/trauma/exposure. Clinical: pain, redness, photophobia, discharge, blurred vision, and a corneal infiltrate/defect. It is an ophthalmic emergency risking perforation/scarring. Treatment: urgent ophthalmology; frequent fortified topical antibiotics (culture-guided), antivirals for HSV, antifungals for fungal; cycloplegics; corneal transplant if perforation/scarring.

Common Symptoms

Pain/redness/photophobia; discharge; blurred vision; corneal infiltrate; contact-lens/trauma history

Causes and Pathogenesis

Bacterial/viral/fungal infection or trauma/exposure causes epithelial-stromal defect and infiltrate.

Treatment

Urgent ophthalmology; fortified topical antibiotics/culture; antivirals/antifungals; cycloplegics; transplant if needed

Preventive Measures

Contact-lens hygiene; treat exposure; urgent treatment.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Ophthalmology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.