An ulcer can develop in the cornea (Fig 1) for many reasons. The most common is when contact lens patients sleep with their contacts or don’t wash their hands when putting a contact in their eye or when taking it out.
The most common cause of corneal ulcers is bacteria.
Bacterial infections need to be treated with topical antibiotic drops and/or ointments (Fig 2). Sometimes injections need to be given on the surface of the eye. Oral antibiotics also may help.
The most common viral ulcer is cause by a herpetic virus (Fig 3). This is completely different from venereal herpes. We all have a herpes virus that lives near our brain and which can travel down a nerve and enter the eye.
Treatment includes special anti-herpes drops or ointments. An oral anti-herpes medicine also may help.
These ulcers are not common in our area. They can occur after a tree branch or other vegetative product injury to the eye (Fig 4).
These types of ulcers are most often seen in contact lens wearers who swim with their contacts or put tap water in their eyes. The Acanthamoeba is the most common parasite causing corneal ulcers.
Wheaton Eye Clinic’s unparalleled commitment to excellence is evident in our continued growth. Today we provide world-class medical and surgical care to patients in six suburban locations—Wheaton, Naperville, Hinsdale, Plainfield, St. Charles, and Bartlett.(630) 668-8250 (800) 637-1054