What Are The Earliest Symptoms Of Corneal Ulcers?

Corneal ulcers sound concerning, but becoming aware of their symptoms helps avoid complications that can arise in the future. The eye specialist in Prayagraj from Chirag eye care is chosen to talk about it, as it has become a major concern nowadays, with many patients coming in with this issue, thinking it is a new kind of disease that has never been heard of before.

Overview Of Cornea And Corneal Ulcer

You may have noticed that the front part of your eye is dome-shaped; that’s called the cornea. It helps in focusing light and providing clear vision.

A corneal ulcer is an eye condition that arises from issues such as cornea damage. It looks like an open sore on the cornea, causing problems.

Now the question arises: what are the earliest symptoms of it that can help you become attentive the moment you notice and visit a doctor?

1. Redness in eyes

Eye redness is the first symptom you can watch for in a corneal ulcer. If you notice your eye turning red, it points towards inflammation or infection. The redness occurs because the blood vessels in the conjunctiva (the thin tissue lining the eye) become expanded due to infection.

Tip: The eye specialist in Prayagraj advises that if you’re experiencing redness in your eyes consistently, it’s crucial to visit an eye specialist for proper evaluation, as there are high chances that this could be an early symptom of a corneal ulcer.

2. Eye Discomfort or pain

Pain is the biggest alarming sign of a corneal ulcer. You may start feeling severe pain constantly in the eye, which is developing a corneal ulcer. 

The more you are exposed to light or blink, the pain will increase, and you will feel strange. Even a slight wind can irritate your eyes. Slowly, the pain will start getting intense, making it difficult for your eyes to stay open.

The pain can be so intense that it becomes difficult to keep your eye open as the cornea’s nerves become sensitive. Cornea damage treatment is highly recommended if the situation escalates to such a severe level.

3. Blurry or Decreased Vision

If spots are appearing in your field of vision and you find that your vision is becoming blurry, it can be a sign of a corneal ulcer. As it is clearly known, the cornea is responsible for focusing light in the eyes, and if it gets damaged, the vision will definitely be affected.

If you find the blurriness is too much and hampering your daily routine, make sure to consult the eye doctor, as with time, there are chances that you may face severe blurriness that can lead to permanent vision loss, which is horrible.

4. Excessive Tearing or Discharge

Another common symptom is watery eyes, meaning a condition when the eyes are producing more tears than usual. What happens is the body processes the tears to protect the eyes from bacteria and dust particles; it’s like a cleanup of the eyes. 

But in some cases, the fluid is different, like yellow or green discharge coming from the affected area, which indicates something unusual is happening with the eyes and requires immediate consultation with the eye doctor.

5. Sensitivity to Light

There is a condition known as photophobia, which develops when you have corneal ulcers. This means that your eyes become highly sensitive to light, especially when you enter bright light. The condition of the eyes worsens, feeling like a strong burn causing pain and continuous discomfort.

You may even feel like you want to keep your eyes closed all the time. The eye specialist in Prayagraj advises that it’s a must to consult the doctor immediately, but in case you are only slightly noticing the pain, make sure to wear sunglasses and stay in low light conditions until your appointment with the eye doctor is fixed.

6. Feeling of Something in Your Eye

Many people with corneal ulcers describe the sensation of having something stuck in their eyes. This can be extremely uncomfortable, even if there is no foreign object present. The ulcer causes irritation and inflammation, leading to a feeling of grittiness or a foreign body sensation.

This feeling may worsen with blinking or moving your eye around. If you’re experiencing this sensation, it’s important to avoid rubbing your eye, as this can make the condition worse. Instead, consult an eye specialist in Prayagraj for proper diagnosis and treatment.

7. Swelling of the Eyelids

In some cases, you may notice puffiness or swelling around the affected area. Swelling can also be the result of the body’s reaction to the infection or due to a corneal ulcer. This is the body’s way of healing the abnormalities, but it does not mean that you should skip a doctor’s consultation. 

In some cases, the swelling becomes so severe that it causes the eyelids to stick together. So, it’s better to seek medical intervention before it’s too late.

How Is a Corneal Ulcer Treated?

Talking about the treatment, it’s not the same for everyone, as it majorly depends on the cause of the condition.

If the ulcer is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. If the cause is a viral infection, antiviral medications are preferred. Antifungal treatment is given to treat fungal infections.

Along with medication, cornea damage treatment requires rest, not using contact lenses, and properly following the guidelines of the eye specialist.

If the case goes beyond this, surgical intervention may be required.

Conclusion

Corneal ulcers are not something that can be overlooked with the belief that they will heal on their own. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to prolonged vision problems and even permanent damage.
The eye specialists in Prayagraj say that it is important to notice the early symptoms to address the issue quickly, so the quality of your life and crystal-clear vision can be maintained.

Also read: How Do You Know You Should Get Your Eyes Checked In Prayagraj?

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