Description
A corneal ulcer is an inflammation and erosion of an area of the cornea (clear dome shaped window on front of eye). A corneal ulcer can be sight-threatening and requires urgent medical attention. Corneal ulcers can be caused by infection, especially in contact lens wearers, or may be a symptom of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Symptoms
Symptoms include bloodshot eyes, watery eyes, light sensitivity, blurred vision, itching, discharge, a white patch on the cornea and eye pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A test using fluorescein dye to better visualize the cornea will likely be performed using a special examination tool such as a slit lamp or Wood's lamp. Culture of the eye, as well as, blood tests may also be performed depending on the suspected cause of the ulcer.
Other Specific Tests: Bacterial culture and sensitivity, Herpes PCR assay, Herpes viral culture, BMP, Creatine kinase, antinuclear antibody (ANA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (C-ANCA), fungal culture, Anti-Sci-70 antibody tests and anticentromere antibodies (CREST variant)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Rheumatology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric Ophthalmology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A test using fluorescein dye to better visualize the cornea will likely be performed using a special examination tool such as a slit lamp or Wood's lamp. Culture of the eye, as well as, blood tests may also be performed depending on the suspected cause of the ulcer.
Other Specific Tests: Bacterial culture and sensitivity, Herpes PCR assay, Herpes viral culture, BMP, Creatine kinase, antinuclear antibody (ANA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (C-ANCA), fungal culture, Anti-Sci-70 antibody tests and anticentromere antibodies (CREST variant)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Rheumatology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric Ophthalmology
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause of the ulcer. Medical treatment may be attempted with immunosuppressive medications or antibiotics. However, medical treatment is frequently ineffective. Surgical removal and repair of the ulcer is often required.