Preserve your vision by addressing corneal ulcers promptly—painful eye infections that can cause blurred vision, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Dr. Enoch Nam at Vantage Eye Consultants specializes in diagnosing and treating corneal ulcers, ensuring expert care for a quick recovery and protection against potential vision loss.
Treat Open Sores on the Cornea
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, often caused by infections from bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites, commonly due to contact lens misuse, trauma, or poor hygiene. It can lead to symptoms like redness, severe eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and excessive tearing. If left untreated, a corneal ulcer can lead to serious complications, such as scarring, permanent vision loss, or even blindness. Timely diagnosis and treatment by a skilled ophthalmologist like Dr. Nam can help prevent long-term damage.
Common Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers:
- Redness and inflammation in the eye
- Severe eye pain or discomfort
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Feeling of a foreign object in the eye
- Swelling around the eye
How Do You Treat a Corneal Ulcer?
Dr. Nam will begin by carefully examining your eye to diagnose the type and severity of your corneal ulcer. Using specialized tools and advanced diagnostic techniques, he will identify the infection’s source, whether bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. Based on these findings, Dr. Nam will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, typically involving antimicrobial eye drops, medication, and sometimes protective eye patches. Dr. Nam ensures effective healing and helps protect against future complications and vision loss.
Corneal Ulcer FAQs
How is a Corneal Ulcer Diagnosed?
Dr. Nam at Vantage Eye Consultants uses advanced diagnostic tools to thoroughly examine the eye and determine the type of infection. A dye test may be used to highlight the ulcer, and cultures may be taken to identify the specific organism causing the infection.
Can I Treat a Corneal Ulcer at Home?
Corneal ulcers require professional treatment to prevent serious complications and should not be managed at home. Attempting to self-treat with over-the-counter drops or remedies may worsen the infection. Dr. Nam will prescribe specific eye drops or medications to address the infection and guide your recovery.
What Happens if a Corneal Ulcer is Left Untreated?
Untreated corneal ulcers can lead to severe consequences, including corneal scarring, vision loss, or blindness. In some cases, an untreated ulcer can cause the eye to rupture, which requires emergency surgery and can still result in permanent vision impairment.
How Long Does It Take for a Corneal Ulcer to Heal?
Healing time depends on the ulcer’s severity and type. Mild cases can resolve in a week or two with treatment, while more severe ulcers may take several weeks or even months. Dr. Nam will monitor your progress through follow-up visits to ensure the best possible outcome.
Restore Clearer Vision With Dr. Nam
At Vantage Eye Consultants, Dr. Enoch Nam, our board-certified corneal specialist and cataract surgeon, provides expert care to restore your vision and eye health. With extensive experience in diagnosing and treating complex corneal conditions like ulcers, Dr. Nam is trusted by patients and peers alike for his skilled, compassionate approach. Using advanced technology, he tailors each treatment to your needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nam today to regain clarity in your sight.
