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Corneal Ulcer
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the cornea, the thin,
colorless covering of the eye. With treatment, it is usually
cured in 2 to 3 weeks; without treatment, it may lead to
long-term vision problems.
Causes
Corneal ulcers are the result of
an infection that takes hold after an eye injury or overuse of
contact lenses. In some cases they are caused by failure of the
eyelid to close as it should.
Signs/Symptoms
You can expect severe eye pain,
blurred vision, tearing, twitching of the eyelid, redness in
the white of the eye, or discharge from the eye. The eyes may
become sensitive to bright light.
Care
Do not touch or rub your eye.
Your doctor will prescribe medicine to treat the
ulcer.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Follow your doctor's orders carefully. Otherwise, the
ulcer may penetrate the cornea and allow the infection to
enter the eyeball. This could cause permanent loss of
vision.
-
Applying a clean, cool or warm washcloth to your eye
may help ease the discomfort.
-
Wash your hands often and dry them with a clean
towel. Do not touch your eyes with your
fingers.
-
Rest your eyes as much as possible until the
infection is gone. Do not read or watch television for long
periods of time. Wear dark glasses to protect your eyes
from bright light.
-
For pain, you may use over-the-counter medicines such
as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your eye is still painful after several days of
treatment.
-
You develop a high temperature.
-
You have new or unexplained
symptoms.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
The pain in your eye gets worse.
-
You notice changes in your
vision.
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