Corneal Ulcers Flashcards
1
Q
What are corneal ulcers?
A
- AKA keratitis
- NB. a scratch of the cornea is called an abrasion, not an ulcer
- infective
- normally unilateral
2
Q
What is the aetiology of keratitis?
A
- Bacterial → commonly gram -ve, contact lens associated
- Viral → HSV1 (coldsore on eye), varicella zoster (part of shingles)
3
Q
What are the clinical features of a corneal ulcer?
A
- red (esp near site of ulcer)
- sticky for bacterial
- watery for viral
- very painful
- photophobic
- vision may be affected depending on site
- bacterial → hypopyon: fluid level of pus behind cornea
4
Q
A corneal ulcer may heal with a scar which could affect vision.
How do you treat bacterial keratitis?
A
- fluoroquinolone eye drops (eg. ciprofloxacin)
- hourly 48hrs, then QDS for 5 days
5
Q
How do you treat viral keratitis?
A
- ointment → aciclovir or ganciclovir
- 5x/a day for 1-2 weeks
