Corneal Ulcer: Frequently Asked Questions

A corneal ulcer is the inflammation of the outer layer of the cornea, this condition is also called acanthamoeba keratitis. For more information about corneal ulcers, please see here.

A defect in the surface of the cornea with a creamy white spot associated with redness. It may be caused by infection or trauma. The infecting organisms can be anything - fungus, bacteria or virus.

A corneal ulcer is an infection of the cornea. It can be viral, fungal, or bacterial. Ulcers are hard to treat because the cornea does not have blood vessels to allow for our own natural immune system to fight the infection. Therefore, the infection can grow rapidly and cause severe damage to the cornea and eye. Ulcers are typically treated with topical antibiotics. Some ulcers are caused by corneal nerve damage. These are termed neurotrophic ulcers.

A corneal ulcer is a compromise of the corneal surface which occurs when the cornea is damaged or diseased, as in the case of fungal keratitis. These ulcers can be associated with a break in the corneal epithelium (superficial layer). Ulcers can also consist of an accumulation of fluid or cells along the damaged area.

Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi. Other causes are abrasions or foreign bodies, inadequate eyelid closure, severe dry eyes, severe allergic eye disease, contact lens and various other inflammatory disorders.

Superficial corneal abrasions are usually not visible. They can be highlighted and seen with the use of fluorescein stain. A drop of this orange-colored stain is placed on the cornea. The dye will adhere to an area of ulceration and is easily visualized with a special black light called a Wood's light. This is the most basic test performed and may be the only test needed if the ulcer is acute and very superficial. ...

Visual Prognosis depends on the site, size of corneal ulcer, time of starting treatment and the complications encountered. All corneal ulcers heal with a scar. If it is in the center of visual axis, refraction of light is affected. If the ulcer is small and situated in the periphery of cornea, it will carry a good prognosis. ...

It is easy to confuse an ulcer and an abrasion on the first examination. There is a judgment call involved in differentiating the two. After 2-3 days of treatment, your cat should be reexamined to be sure that healing is progressing properly. If that does not happen, a decision may be made to perform surgery.

Wearing contact lenses puts you at a higher risk for infections and ulcers. A good "rule of thumb" to keep in mind is the RSVP rule: R edness -- can be one eye or both S ecretions -- can be tearing, clear stringy mucous, yellow or green sticky mucous V ision changes -- typically mild to moderate decrease in vision or blurring P ain -- may be aching, sharp, dull, or just uncomfortable If you have any of these symptoms, it is essential that you remove your contact lenses immediately. ...