Corneal Ulcer vs Abrasion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Corneal Ulcers and corneal Abrasions make your eye pain and can look red.
Corneal Abrasions hurt a lot and can be caused by things like a baby’s nails, paper, or sticks in the garden.
It happens when the thin, sensitive layer on the front of your eye, called the epithelium, is scratched off.
Since the front part of the eye is very sensitive, the abrasions are painful.
On the brighter side, the pain from corneal Abrasions goes away quickly with treatment in 24-36 hours.
However, a corneal ulcer can be more serious, especially for people who wear contact lenses.
They also have painful red eyes, but the redness may not be as severe as in corneal Abrasions.
As per a PubMed study, approximately 2 million cases of blindness are due to corneal ulcers.
Continue reading to know more about Corneal Ulcer vs Abrasion.
The overview: Corneal Ulcer vs Abrasion
| Corneal Ulcer | Corneal Abrasion | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An infection or inflammation of the cornea. | A scratch or scrape on the surface of the cornea. |
| Causes | Bacterial Viral or fungal infection Injury Contact lens wear | Foreign objects in the eye Trauma Contact lens wear |
| Symptoms | Eye pain Redness Blurred vision Discharge Sensitivity to light | Eye pain Tearing Redness Sensitivity to light |
| Diagnosis | Eye exam, corneal scraping, and cultures. | An eye exam with fluorescein staining. |
| Treatment | Antibiotic or antifungal eye drops Oral antibiotics Surgery | Antibiotic eye drops Lubricating eye drops Patching the eye. |
| Prevention | Proper contact lens hygiene and eye protection prompt the treatment of eye infections. | Wearing eye protection during activities that could cause eye Injuries. |
Symptoms
Corneal abrasion symptoms include eye pain, tearing, redness, and light sensitivity.
And, Corneal ulcer symptoms are blurred vision, discharge, and white spots on the cornea.
The eye may feel gritty, or like something is stuck between the eye and the eyelid.
Consult your doctor if you feel any of the symptoms.
As these symptoms may lead to severe problems if not treated on time.
Causes
Corneal ulcers and Abrasions are two different eye problems with some things in common.
They can both happen when people don’t take care of their contact lenses or get hurt in the eye.
Infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause a corneal ulcer.
Weak immunity, dry eyes, eyelid problems, and contact lenses increase corneal ulcer risk.
Corneal abrasion causes include eye rubbing, incorrect contact lens use, or irritants.
Conditions like Corneal dystrophy and eye surgery history increase the risk of corneal Abrasions.
It’s important to see a doctor immediately if you have any problems to avoid worsening them.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of corneal Abrasions includes an eye exam with fluorescein staining.
This test uses a sterile fluorescein strip to place orange dye under the lower eyelid.
Then the eye is examined by using a blue light. It can test corneal injuries, small particles in the eye, and abnormal tear production.
The diagnosis of corneal ulcers involves a thorough eye examination by an eye doctor.
The exam may include using a slit lamp microscope to examine the affected area of the cornea closely.
A dye named fluorescein can highlight any damage to the cornea.
Sometimes, the doctor may take a sample of the discharge from the ulcer.
It will then be sent for further examination to identify the bacteria, virus, or fungus causing the infection.
This can help your doctor to identify antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the infection.
Treatment
The treatment for a minor corneal abrasion is usually antibiotic ointment, eye lubricants, or an eye pad.
These generally heal within a day after giving rest to the eye.
However, larger abrasions are more painful and can cause infection in the eye.
Antibiotics and eye lubricants also do the treatment, but it takes a few days to heal completely.
In the case of corneal ulcers, it is a serious condition and may lead to permanent vision loss.
The treatment for corneal ulcers is based on antibiotic eye drops used hourly.
An eye pad is not recommended in case of ulcers, as it may worsen the condition of corneal ulcers.
Some eye drops to dilate the pupil can also be used for treatment.
A large corneal ulcer can take a few weeks to heal properly.
A corneal specialist may be required to improve vision in case of corneal scarring or leucoma due to an ulcer.
Soft contact lens wearers with corneal ulcers need urgent ophthalmological examination.
They are more susceptible to severe infections. If left untreated, vision loss can occur.
Conclusion
Corneal ulcers and abrasions are common eye conditions that cause discomfort and vision problems.
Both conditions have different causes and treatments. It is crucial to seek medical attention for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Corneal abrasions are treated with antibiotics and eye drops.
Corneal ulcers require more intensive treatment and monitoring by an ophthalmologist.
Timely treatment can prevent complications and vision loss.
Wear protective eyewear and practice good hygiene to prevent these conditions.
Understanding the differences and appropriate treatments can help preserve vision and take better care of your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do corneal ulcers stain with fluorescein?
Yes, corneal ulcers do stain with fluorescein. The fluorescein dye is used to detect corneal abrasions and ulcers. This makes the area visible under blue light, allowing for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can a corneal abrasion turn into an ulcer?
Yes, a corneal abrasion can turn into an ulcer if left untreated. The bacteria and fungi can enter through the Abrasion and affect the cornea. This can lead to corneal ulcers.
Should I go to the emergency room for Corneal Abrasions?
If you have excessive pain or cannot open your eye, you can visit the emergency room. They can give you some pain relievers, which will help relieve pain.
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