Corneal Infections
What is a Corneal Infection?
A Corneal Infection is an infection in the eye’s cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Our eyes have several protective
barriers and mechanisms which help resist infections in the cornea. Eye lids, eye lashes, tears, and the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of
the eyelids, all form barriers against Corneal Infection. When any of these protective barriers are broken, either by a trauma, a foreign object in the
eye, a contaminated contact lens, severe allergies, or an illness/inflammatory disorder, germs can pass directly into the cornea, resulting in a Corneal
Infection.
What causes a Corneal Infection?
Corneal infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses. These infections can reduce visual clarity, produce corneal discharges, and
perhaps erode the cornea. Corneal infections can also lead to corneal scarring, which can impair vision.
Symptoms of Corneal Infection
Common symptoms of a Corneal Infection may include:
- eye pain
- redness
- burning
- itching
- watery eyes
- discharge
- sensitivity to light
- a white patch on the cornea
- impaired vision
How are Corneal Infections treated?
If you suspect you have a Cornea Infection, come see us immediately. Early treatment is key to preventing serious problems such as vision loss and corneal
scars and even loss of your eye. The treatment we offer will depend on the cause of the infection. Minor Corneal Infections are commonly treated with
anti-bacterial drops. More severe infections may require more intensive antibiotics, anti-fungal treatments, anti-viral drops, or steroid drops. Treatment
should be started right away. Frequent visits to assess the healing progress may be necessary to make sure the treatment is performing effectively.
