Corneal Ulcer

Excerpt

A corneal ulcer, a defect of the corneal epithelium involving the underlying stroma, is a potentially vision-threatening ocular emergency. Even with prompt treatment patients can suffer significant morbidity with complications including corneal scarring or perforation, development of glaucoma, cataracts or anterior and posterior synechiae, and vision loss. Untreated bacterial keratitis may result in endophthalmitis and subsequent loss of the eye. The annual incidence of corneal ulcers in the United States alone is estimated to be between 30000 and 75000, and approximately 12.2% of all corneal transplants performed are for management of infectious keratitis. It is therefore essential that this condition is rapidly recognized so that prompt treatment can initiate and an urgent or emergent ophthalmologic evaluation arranged.