Causes of Corneal Ulcer

Causes of Corneal Ulcer

People usually develop a corneal ulcer after some type of corneal trauma, which allows bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites to enter the cornea. This invasion causes an infection with inflammation, which worsens if left untreated.

The types of infections that can lead to a corneal ulcer include:

• Bacterial: People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk for developing corneal ulcers, especially if they leave extended-wear lenses in their eyes for many days or weeks.
• Viral: Corneal ulcers can be caused by the herpes simplex virus (causes cold sores).
• Fungal: Improper hygiene of contact lenses or use of steroid eye drops can lead to fungal infections. They can also result from an injury to the cornea that lets plant material get into the eye, or from a suppressed immune system.
• Parasitic: Acanthamoeba, microscopic, single-celled amoeba, are the most common amoeba in fresh water and soil. This parasite can cause severe eye infection, especially in contact lens wearers, which can lead to a corneal ulcer.

Other causes of corneal ulcers include:

• Bell's palsy and other eyelid disorders that prevent the eyelid from closing all the way
• Dry eyes
• Eye injury or trauma such as an abrasion (scratch or cut) or a chemical burn, which can become infected with bacteria
• Severe allergic eye disease
• Various inflammatory disorders

Learn more about corneal ulcer diagnosis.

Corneal Ulcer Prevention

A major risk factor for developing a corneal ulcer is contact lens wear. People who wear soft contact lenses for an extended period (including overnight) are more likely to develop a corneal ulcer.

That's why it is important to follow proper cleaning and hygiene guidelines for your contact lenses, such as:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses or touching your eyes.
• Use commercial, not homemade, contact lens cleaning solutions.
• Clean and sterilize your contact lenses both before and after wearing them, and store them in disinfecting solution.
• Never use tap water or saliva to moisten or store your lenses.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses for long periods of time, such as days or weeks.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses overnight.

We also recommend other ways for preventing a corneal ulcer, including:

• Wash your face before you go to bed at night, especially if you wear eye makeup.
• Use protective eyewear when doing work or other activities that can cause eye injury.
• Use artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated if you have dry eyes and lubricating ointment at bedtime if your eyelids do not close completely.
• If you have an eye injury or any symptoms of an eye infection, see your physician immediately for treatment.

Learn more about corneal ulcer treatment.