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Corneal Ulcers and Infections
Alternate Names : Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Bacterial Keratitis, Fungal Keratitis, Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Definition A non-penetrating erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the cornea, the transparent area at the front of the eyeball. See also corneal injury.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or amoebae. Other causes are abrasions or foreign bodies, inadequate eyelid closure, severely dry eyes, severe allergic eye disease, and various inflammatory disorders.
Contact lens wear, especially soft contact lenses worn overnight, may be a precipitating factor. Herpes simplex keratitis is a serious viral infection. It may have recurrences that are triggered by stress, exposure to sunlight, or any condition which impairs the immune system.
Fungal keratitis can occur after a corneal injury involving plant material, or in immunosuppressed people. Acanthamoeba keratitis occurs in contact lens users, especially those who attempt to make their own homemade cleaning solutions.
Risk factors are dry eyes, severe allergies, history of inflammatory disorders, contact lens wear, immunosuppression, trauma and generalized infection.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Allergies
• Corneal Injury
• Immunodeficiency Disorders
Tests & Exams
• Refraction Test
• Schirmer's Test
• Slit-Lamp Exam
• Visual Acuity Test
Other Topics
• Erosion
• Eye Burning - Itching and Discharge
• Eye Pain
• Eye Redness
• Tearing - Increased
• Vision - Light Sensitive
• Vision Problems
Review Date : 11/5/2002
Reviewed By : Raymond S. Douglas M.D., Ph.D. Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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