A corneal ulcer is a wound to the surface of the eye through which light passes. The ulcer is caused by infection or injury. A corneal ulcer can result in vision loss, glaucoma or cataracts. If serious enough, a corneal transplant and hospitalization may be required. The intense pain of an ulcer, which can feel like knives constantly stabbing the eyeball, as well as the cost and trauma associated with the ulcer, can be prevented by good eye care and acknowledging the power of sterilization and good eye health routines.
Instructions
1. Exercise proper care of your contact lenses. Improper use of lenses is a common cause of the bacteria that produces the inflammation and ultimately the ulcer. Always wash your hands before touching the lens. Never use saliva to moisten the contacts or tap water to rinse them. Remove the lenses when you swim and never wear contacts overnight. Extended wear lenses, which are marketed to be worn for extended periods of time, are ten times more likely to contribute to painful and damaging ulcers than daily lenses.
2. Keep cases clean. Rinse your cases every day. Use hot water to clean them and air dry them. Replace cases every three months.
3. Replace your lenses as recommended by your doctor. Many lenses are not meant to be worn longer than two weeks, or two months. Be sure to not wear old lenses, which will make your lens more susceptible to the bacteria buildup and multiplication that causes such eye trauma.
4. Never share contact lenses. With the popularity of cosmetic, colored lenses that do not correct vision, this is becoming an increasingly major health concern. Sharing lenses will dramatically increase your chances of sustaining an ulcer.
5. Take out your lenses whenever you experience discomfort. You may have something caught under the lens, or it may be the start of serious irritation. Don't put the lenses in until the irritation has subsided. Watch out for any changes in the appearance of the eye and eye area, and see your doctor if discomfort and redness lingers.
6. Wear protective eyewear in the workplace. Ulcers can be caused by an injury to the eye, such as a scrape. Be sure to wear goggles and, if you are out in the sun for long periods of time, UV coatings.
7. Use artificial tears. This is necessary if the cause of your ulcer is determined to be inadequate tear production, which leaves your cornea dry, exposed and unprotected. Certain drops may actually exacerbate the condition, so heed your doctor's advice.
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