Corneal Ulcers
What is a corneal ulcer?
When one or more layers of the cornea are missing the term corneal ulcer is used.
What are the signs of a corneal ulcer?
Squinting due to pain is the most common sign of an ulcer. Very sensitive nerves in the cornea cause any scratch or injury to be very painful. The pet may rub at the eye. Redness of the "white of the eye" and cloudiness (blue-gray discoloration) of the usually clear cornea are sometimes present.
Is a corneal ulcer an urgent situation?
Any damage to the cornea can be serious. Even minor injuries can be very painful. Rubbing at the eye can make an ulcer worse. More severe injuries can lead to vision loss if not treated quickly and appropriately.
What causes a corneal ulcer?
Nearly all ulcers are caused by an injury of some type. Some inherited problems, such as ingrown eyelashes or inturned eyelids can injure the cornea. Dog bites, cat scratches, and foreign material (sand, plant matter, etc) in the eye can cause damage to the cornea. Inadequate tearing, sleeping with the eyelids slightly open, and irritation from dust, pollen, or smoke also lead to corneal ulcers.
Won't a minor injury heal on its own?
Possibly. There are no blood vessels in the cornea, as in other parts of the body, to assist with the healing process. Therefore, even a minor injury can become a serious problem if not evaluated early and treated appropriately.
What treatment might be needed?
Treatment is based upon the cause and the severity of the ulcer. It is important to eliminate the cause of the ulcer, then treat inflammation, pain, and infection that may be present.
Specific treatments are used for each situation but eye drops and ointments are used to treat inflammation, prevent infection, keep the surface moist and comfortable. Wearing a plastic Elizabethan collar may be necessary to prevent rubbing at the eye. Treatment is modified as the ulcer heals. Surgery may also be recommended if it would improve the likelihood of saving vision or keeping the pet comfortable.
Can a corneal ulcer cause blindness?
Yes; but if treated early the typical ulcer usually heals with appropriate eye medicines. Severe or neglected injuries may require intensive medical or surgical treatment to save vision or to merely save the eye. In some severely damaged eyes, with no possibility of saving vision, it may be best for the comfort of the pet to remove the eye.
Please contact us with questions about any eye conditions your pet may have.
