How is a Corneal Ulcer Detected?
Your doctor will use a slit lamp examination to detect a corneal ulcer. He will first apply fluorescein drops to your eye which will highlight the ulcer. Once the ulcer is confirmed, he will want to determine whether the ulcer is infectious and if it is, what type of infection it is. Normally, infectious ulcers send out star-like branches that can be easily seen on the slit lamp. A diagnosis of infectious versus sterile ulcer will form the basis for your treatment. To determine the type of infection, he will apply numbing drops to your eye. Then, he will gently remove a small number of cells from the surface of your eye. These cells will be tested to determine the nature of the infection. How is a Corneal Ulcer Treated? If your doctor determines the ulcer is an infectious ulcer, the treatment will depend upon the nature of the infection. Anti-bacterial, anti-viral or anti-fungal medications will be used as appropriate. The initial treatment is usually in a form of eye drops. However, i
