A break, erosion, or open sore in the cornea commonly caused by a corneal abrasion. It may also be due to chemical damage, or infection with bacteria, fungi, or viruses (particularly with the herpes viruses). Eye conditions such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca and eyelid deformities such as entropion or ectropion increase the risk of an ulcer. Corneal ulcers are revealed by introducing fluorescein dye into the eye. Infections and predisposing eye conditions are treated according to their cause. A superficial, noninfectious ulcer usually heals quickly; if it fails to do so, it may be treated with a “bandage’’ contact lens or tarsorrhaphy.
Corneal ulcer |
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