Corneal ulcers and infections

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Eye

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

Treatment for corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. Treatment should be started as soon as possible to prevent scarring of the cornea.

If the exact cause is not known, patients may start treatment with antibiotic drops that work against many kinds of bacteria.

Once the exact cause is known, drops that treat bacteria, herpes, other viruses, or a fungus are prescribed.

Corticosteroid eye drops may be used to reduce swelling and inflammation in certain conditions.

Your doctor may also recommend that you:

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• Avoid eye makeup
• Don't wear contact lenses at all, or don't wear them at night
• Take pain medications
• Wear an eye patch to keep light out and help with symptoms
• Wear protective glasses

Severe ulcers may need to be treated with corneal transplantation.

Many people recover completely from corneal ulcers or infections, or they have only a minor change in vision.

However, a corneal ulcer or infection can cause long-term damage to the cornea and lead to a noticeable worsening of vision.

Untreated corneal ulcers and infections may lead to:

• Loss of the eye (rare)
• Severe vision loss
• Scars on the cornea

Call your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of corneal ulcers or an infection
• You have been diagnosed with this condition and your symptoms become worse after treatment

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).