Corneal ulcers

Eyes are under major threat and are possibly the most taken for granted part of our body. Amongst the most serious eye diseases is corneal ulcer. It may lead to complete blindness and is also life threatening. In this condition the cornea, which is the transparent layer of the outer eye, gets infected. It is also called as eyesore or ulcerative keratitis.

The epithelial layer is disrupted. The cornea is responsible for refraction of the light that is received by the eyes. The transparent layer cornea carries pressure points as well as pain receptor. Therefore development of corneal ulcers is extremely painful and unbearable. The eye may show aqueous flare and redness of the eye.  Since the pain receptors are stimulated, there occurs release of substances like acetylcholine, histamine and prostaglandin.

The ulcer can be clearly seen under a slit lamp. Schirmer’s test is also performed in order to check for any other acute possibility. Rose Bengal dye and flourescein dye are also used to do checks on corneal ulcer. Flourescein stain is used to understand the spread of the ulcer.

The body does try to heal the ulcers. This is done in two ways. One is to introduce more blood vessels from the conjunctiva region. The second is to cause migration of the nearby epithelial cells.  This is proceded by mitosis. If this is done successfully, the ulcer is healed by the fourth day. There are various types of corneal ulcers. These include superficial and deep corneal ulcers, Refractory corneal ulcers and melting ulcers.

Although corneal ulcers are a common eye disease still, they have been avoided if proper eye care is done. Eating of balanced diet which includes lots of fresh green vegetables provide vitamin A and C which help in strengthening eyes. Since it is difficult to eat balanced diet everyday supplementation must be made an essential of the daily regime.