The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by a corneal ulcer: Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Impairment of vision, in extreme cases threatening blindness due to corneal perforation (risk of endophthalmitis/inflammation of the interior of the eye). Hypopyon – accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye. … Corneal Ulcer: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Ophthalmic examination – slit lamp examination: In most cases, the cornea is severely swollen, grayish-yellow and uneven. By means of fluorescent dye may be able to detect erosions If necessary, flushing … Corneal Ulcer: Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Pathogen determination by smear and culture. “If bacterial keratitis is clinically suspected, a conjunctival swab should first be performed with one swab in each eye. Then, material from the ulcer and ulcer margin should be obtained with a swab or corneal spatula (Kimura spatula, field … Corneal Ulcer: Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Elimination of the causative agent Therapy recommendations Antibiosis (topical/local, antibiotic therapy) if necessary. If necessary, virostasis (antivirals: topical for herpes simplex; oral (“ingestion by mouth“) for varicella zoster: treatment with nucleoside analogues). If necessary, antifungals (topical; drugs for the treatment of fungal diseases). If necessary, oral substitution of vitamin A and zinc for … Corneal Ulcer: Drug Therapy
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Slit-lamp examination (slit-lamp microscope; viewing of the eyeball under appropriate illumination and high magnification).
1st order Covering the ulcer with conjunctiva or amniotic membrane for rapid but scarring healing of the defect. Keratoplasty à chaud (emergency keratoplasty) – for perforated (broken through) ulcer or descemetocele (protrusion of Descemet’s membrane).
To prevent corneal ulcer (ulcer), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Wearing contact lenses
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate a corneal ulcer (ulcer): Leading symptoms Acutely developing red painful eye. Foreign body sensation Watering eye Cloudy cornea Visual deterioration Photophobia (light shyness) Blepharospasm (eyelid spasm)
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Corneal ulcer (corneal ulcer) is often a complication of keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). Etiology (causes) Behavioral causes Wearing of contact lenses Disease-related causes Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Keratitis (corneal inflammation), unspecified [bacteria (eg, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (herpes simplex), mycoses (especially after antibiotic therapy, or glucocorticoid eye drops), … Corneal Ulcer: Causes
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of corneal ulcer (ulcus corneae). Family history What is the general health status of your relatives? Social anamnesis Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints). How long has the change in the eye been present? Do you have any pain in … Corneal Ulcer: Medical History
Eyes and ocular appendages (H00-H59). Glaucoma-acute elevation of intraocular pressure. Keratitis – inflammation of the cornea Uveitis – inflammation of the middle skin of the eye, which consists of the choroid (choroid), the ray body (corpus ciliare) and the iris.
General measures Contact lens wearers should refrain from wearing contact lenses as long as the corneal ulcer has not healed. Preventive measures: If contact lenses are worn, they should not be worn for too long. Furthermore, pay attention to an appropriate and daily care of the contact lenses. People who are exposed to a higher … Corneal Ulcer: Therapy