Ulcerative keratitis
Ulcerative Keratitis
Ulcerative Keratitis, also known as corneal ulcer, is an ulcerative process of the corneal epithelium, stroma, and even deeper tissue layers. It is a potentially blinding ocular condition which is known to cause severe pain, light sensitivity and vision impairment. The disease may be caused by a variety of reasons, however, it is primarily attributed to inappropriate contact lens use, corneal trauma, bacterial or viral infections.
Ulcerative Keratitis can result in severe damage to the eye, causing the cornea to turn white in appearance. This condition can also cause the eye to become inflamed, and tearing or a discharge may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if any symptoms occur.
Common Causes of Ulcerative Keratitis
- Inappropriate contact lens use
- Corneal trauma
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Automimune disorders
- Herpetic eye infection
- Fungal eye infection
- Overexposure to ultraviolet light (UV)
Symptoms
- Blurred Vision
- Redness of the Eye
- Severe Pain
- Watery Eyes
- Extreme Light Sensitivity
- Tearing/Discharge from Eyes
- White area in the cornea
Diagnosis & Treatment
Ulcerative Keratitis can be diagnosed by a comprehensive eye examination. This may include evaluating your eye pressure, corneal sensitivity, visual acuity, and corneal staining. Additionally, your doctor may also suggest a visual field test.
Treatment for Ulcerative Keratitis is largely dependent on the cause of the condition. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may recommend medications such as antibiotics, antivirals, or NSAIDs. In rare cases, surgery may be required.
Prevention
There are several preventive measures for the condition, including:
- Properly cleaning and caring for contact lenses
- Avoiding reuse of contact lenses
- Avoiding contact lens overwear
- Using sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV radiation
- Wearing protective eyewear in high-risk activities