Corneal ulcers and infections

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Eye

Bacterial keratitis; Fungal keratitis; Acanthamoeba keratitis; Herpes simplex keratitis

Symptoms of infection or ulcers of the cornea include:

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Eye that appears red or bloodshot
• Itching and discharge
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Very painful andwatery eyes
• White patch on the cornea (with herpes)

• Examination of scrapings from the ulcer
• Fluorescein stain of the cornea
• Keratometry (measurement of the corneal curvature)
• Pupillary reflex response
• Refraction test
• Slit-lamp examination
• Tests for dry eye
• Visual acuity

Blood tests to check for inflammatory disorders may also be needed.

Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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