Corneal infections are due to corneal ulcers. Ulcer is an infection involving the cornea which is the clear front part of the eye.
Symptoms
Symptoms and signs include:
pain
redneccand swelling
discharge
blurring of vision
These can occur suddenly.
If you develop any of the above symptoms please consult eye specialist immediately.
Causes
Contact lens-related infections are the most common cause of corneal infections. Other causes include trauma, foreign body entry into the eye. Work site related injury to the eye can lead to infection in the cornea.
Corneal infections can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal and parasite micro-organisms.
Treatment
Corneal infections are treated with intensive antibiotic eye drops and ointments. If the infection is severe, patient will be admitted into hospital, for intensive treatment and for close monitoring of the infection.
Surgery may be needed if the infection is very severe and not responding to medication. Surgery is performed to remove the infected cornea and replace with a healthy corneal tissue which is known as corneal transplant.