These tips will help you to protect your eye health and vision while still being able to rock your costume and amaze your friends and family: 

1. Read the directions carefully before applying any product to your skin and beware that many costume makeup products are not intended for use around the eyes.
2. Do not apply any makeup products or face paint directly to your eyes or the skin around your eyes— stay above your eyebrow bone and at the level of your cheek bones.
3. Avoid costume eye makeup products like stick on eyelashes and heavy paints. Instead, use your eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara that you use all year long.
4. Look for products that say “hypoallergenic” on the label to reduce your risk of an allergic reaction.
5. Test the product on a small area of your skin before using it on Halloween day to be sure that it will not cause any skin irritation.
6. Avoid eye glitter at all costs. If your costume calls for some sparkle around your eyes, opt for a shimmery eye shadow instead, as glitter can easily get into your eyes and scratch and irritate your eyes and even lead to an infection.
7. Beware of fluorescent colored makeup or additives in face paint which have not been FDA approved.
8. Never use fluorescent colored makeup near your eyes.
9. Do not share eye makeup, or use any makeup products or face paint from previous years— this can significantly increase your risk of eye infection.
10. If the product contains a strange smell, throw it out— it could be expired or contaminated.
11. Remove your makeup at the end of the night according to the instructions on the package— never sleep in face paint or makeup.

What to do in an eye emergency

If you experience any pain, redness, itchiness, or swelling after applying face paint or Halloween makeup, contact your eye doctor immediately. 

These are signs that can indicate an allergic reaction, chemical irritation, or eye infection and must be treated promptly to avoid complications.

The post How to Protect Your Eyes From Halloween Makeup appeared first on Optometrists.org.

While pediatric eye emergencies can be alarming, being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to do if a child has an eye emergency gives parents and caregivers peace of mind and increases a child’s chances of achieving the most optimal treatment results.

When it comes to pediatric eye care, remaining calm and seeking immediate medical attention is vital for both you and your child.

Every year, over 125,000 children in the US receive urgent medical care by emergency eye doctors.

Here are the five most common types of pediatric eye emergencies, and tips on how to manage them.

1. Acute conjunctivitis 

This severe type of pink eye, formally called pediatric acute bacterial conjunctivitis, affects about 1 in 8 children every year. Acute conjunctivitis typically affects preschool children, toddlers and babies.

A child with this very contagious infection may experience eye discharge, itchiness and redness, usually in both eyes. Along with these eye symptoms, about 39% of children will also have a severe ear infection.

Treatment involves either oral or topical antibiotic medication, or in severe cases, both.

If your child shows any signs of acute conjunctivitis, contact an eye doctor near you for immediate treatment.

2. Blunt eye trauma

Blunt eye trauma can cause internal bleeding within the eye called hyphema. In severe cases, the extra blood within the eye can cause elevated inner eye pressure and lead to permanent vision loss. It usually happens during rough play or sports.

Typical symptoms after being struck in the eye include:

• Redness and swelling
• Eye drainage
• Eye pain that won’t go away
• Vision changes
• Visible abnormalities of the affected eye
• Visible bleeding in the white of the eye (sclera)

If your child has any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.

If you suspect your child has an eye injury, urgently contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: What to Do for a Black Eye

3. Chemical exposure to the eye

A variety of household cleaning products  can damage a child’s eyes and result in an eye care emergency. To protect your child’s eyes, keep these things locked away and out of reach.

If a child’s eye is exposed to a chemical, look for a phone number on the product’s label to dial in the event of an emergency or contact your nearest pediatric emergency eye care department.

Immediately after the incident: Hold your child’s eye open for about 20 minutes while you flush the eye area with clean water or saline drops. If both eyes have been exposed, place your child in the shower and have them face the water so it goes into their eyes.

4. Cuts or scrapes to the eye

Particles of dust, sand, wood shavings and other tiny objects can get into a child’s eye and cause a scratch on the surface of the eye, called a corneal abrasion.

Corneal abrasions may cause:

• Vision problems
• Stinging
• Burning
• Light sensitivity
• Red eyes
• Swollen eyes
• Grittiness
• Watery eyes

If you suspect that your child has a corneal abrasion, immediately contact an eye doctor near you for treatment.

Corneal abrasions are typically treated with eye drops, medicated ointments, and sometimes pain relievers.

To get the object or particle out of the child’s eye, rinse the affected eye with saline solution or clean tap water. They can also blink several times to try and flush out whatever is scratching the eye. Avoid rubbing the eye, as that can make almost any eye condition worse.

5. Foreign objects stuck in the eye

If your child is complaining that something is stuck in their eye, the first thing to do is to tell them not to rub their eyes. Visually inspect their eyes and see if you find anything. If a foreign object is on the sclera, the white part of the eye, try flushing the eye with saline solution or clean water.

If it looks like something is lodged in the eye or has penetrated the eyeball, do not try and remove it. Seek pediatric eye care immediately.

When it comes to pediatric eye emergencies, remaining calm is important for both you and your child.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

If your child has had an eye emergency, immediately contact an eye doctor near you who can help with eye emergencies and other eye care services.

While pediatric eye emergencies can be alarming, being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to do if a child has an eye emergency gives parents and caregivers peace of mind.

When it comes to pediatric eye care emergencies, remaining calm and seeking immediate medical care is vital for both you and your child.

The post Top 5 Pediatric Eye Emergencies appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Slowly progressive blurred vision is usually caused by long-term medical conditions. Sudden blurring is most often caused by a single event.

Some instances of sudden blurred vision are medical emergencies that must be treated as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage and vision loss.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can evaluate the cause of your blurred vision.

SEE RELATED: What Is an Eye Stroke?

When is blurred vision a medical emergency?

1. Strokes

There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. When a blood clot blocks an artery transporting blood to the brain, an ischemic stroke occurs. When a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, the result is a hemorrhagic stroke, which is less common.

Strokes can cause a sudden, severe headache and blurred vision in one or both eyes.

Other symptoms often associated with strokes include sudden:

• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking and understanding speech
• Numbness or weakness of the arm, face, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Trouble walking, dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination

Strokes may have life-threatening and permanently debilitating consequences if they are not treated quickly. If a person suspects they or someone close to them is having a stroke, they should call for an ambulance right away.

2. Traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of head injury that causes damage to the brain. There are different types of brain injuries, including concussions and skull fractures.

A jolt, hit, blow, bump, or penetrating objects cause most TBIs.

The symptoms of a TBI vary depending on the part of the brain that was injured and the extent of the damage. While some TBI symptoms occur right away, others may take days or weeks to appear.

Symptoms of TBI can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage. Symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Coma
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Lack of coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Mood changes, such as irritability
• Ringing in the ears

People with a mild TBI should temporarily limit doing certain activities that can stress their brain or increase the risk of reinjury, such as playing sports or computer work. Always follow your physician’s advice.

Severe TBI can be life-threatening without treatment. The treatment for TBI depends on the extent, location, and severity of the injury.

3. Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas present in the fumes that burning fuel creates.

Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, the red protein in blood that transports oxygen throughout the body, as people breathe it in. Hemoglobin is unable to transport oxygen to organs and tissues when it’s bound to carbon monoxide.

A headache and vision problems, such as blurred vision, are common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Since carbon monoxide deprives the brain and body of oxygen, it causes a number of symptoms.

Additional symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Dizziness
• Chest pains
• Confusion
• Fatigue and weakness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Loss of consciousness
• Upset stomach and vomiting

People with mild to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning should get themselves away from the poisonous gas and seek medical treatment immediately.

4. Angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is where fluid in the front part of the eye is suddenly blocked from draining out of the eye, causing eye pressure to rise quickly.

Symptoms include headache and severe pain in or above the eyes. Other symptoms include:

• Changes in your vision, including blurred vision
• Nausea
• Redness and pain in the eyes

If you have any of these symptoms seek help right away.

Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires treatment to decrease the pressure and the inflammation inside the eye.

Many things can cause your vision to suddenly become blurred. When treatment is delayed, some can result in vision loss.

Other medical emergencies are also caused by retinal diseases, retinal detachments and corneal burns.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you about any sudden unexplained changes in your vision.

If you believe you may be experiencing a TBI, carbon monoxide poisoning or are having or stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

The post When is Blurred Vision a Medical Emergency? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Eye flashes

When eye flashes appear out of nowhere, they can be a cause for concern. Eye flashes can be a normal part of the aging process or can sometimes signal a serious retinal eye disease.

Eye flashes are typically noticed from the corner of one or both eyes, and can present in various shapes, colors and sizes.

Eye flashes can appear as:

• Bright flickering spots
• Streaks of light
• Bright jagged lines, similar to a lightning bolt
• Bursts of light, similar to a camera flash or fireworks

Eye flashes that appear similar to a lightning bolt are a common visual symptom of ocular migraines.

For many people, eye flashes may be more prominent first thing in the morning and slowly fade as the day continues. Others may only notice flashes when sitting in a dark room.

If you experience any eye pain or blurry vision, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: What Is Macular Edema?

What causes eye flashes?

• Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): This is one of the most common causes of eye flashes. This condition occurs as part of the natural aging process when the vitreous humor, the gel inside the eye, shrinks and detaches from the retina. A sudden onset of this condition can cause the sudden appearance of eye flashes or of a large floater in the visual field.
• Retinal tear or detachment: When the retina detaches from its normal position at the back of the eye, or a macular disease suddenly appears, total or partial blindness can occur.

This serious condition requires immediate medical attention.

• Optic neuritis: When the optic nerve becomes inflamed by an infection or nerve-related disorder it can lead to total or partial blindness.

This is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

• Increased eye pressure: This can occur from a head or eye injury, coughing forcefully, or from simply rubbing your eyes.

A sudden spike in eye pressure requires emergency medical attention. 

When to call an eye doctor 

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice a sudden onset of eye flashes along with any of the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Partial vision loss
• Darkened vision
• Dizziness

Although in many cases, eye flashes are caused by posterior vitreous detachment, eye flashes can be a sign of a more serious eye condition.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Retinal Disease

If you see eye flashes, it is always best to schedule an eye exam to rule out any serious eye conditions that may require immediate attention.

Your eye doctor can treat the underlying cause of eye flashes and eliminate these visual disturbances while protecting your eyes and preserving your vision.

Seeing an eye doctor for regular eye exams is the best way to protect your eye health and vision.

The post What Are Eye Flashes? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Early detection of a macular hole can reduce your risk of permanent damage and vision loss.

A macular hole is a small tear in the center of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision and vision of fine details.

A macular hole can significantly impact your vision— preventing you from enjoying your daily activities and affecting your quality of life.

Fortunately, with early detection and treatment your clear vision can be restored.

How does a macular hole occur?

A macular hole most often occurs when the vitreous humor, the gel that fills the inside of the eyeball, shrinks and pulls away from the retina— usually as a result of aging.

In most cases, the vitreous can pull away from the retina without any complications. However, if the vitreous sticks to the retina, it will pull on the retina, causing the macula to stretch, and lead to a tear or hole in the macula.

In some cases, a macular hole can develop from macular swelling that occurs as a result of another eye disease, an eye injury or trauma to the retina.

Several conditions can increase your risk of a macular hole, including:

• Eye injury or trauma
• Retinal detachment
• Macular pucker
• Diabetic retinopathy
• High myopia

Symptoms of a macular hole

A macular hole can cause blurry, wavy, or distorted central vision. 

These symptoms may be difficult to notice at first, but as the condition worsens and the hole grows bigger, a dark blind spot will form in the central visual field, blocking central vision.

If you suspect you have symptoms of a macular hole, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Protecting Yourself From Macular Degeneration

How are macular holes treated?

Some macular holes may seal by themselves, but in most cases, a surgical procedure, called a vitrectomy is performed to treat the condition and improve vision.

A vitrectomy is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure involves the removal of the vitreous gel that fills the inside of the eye. This gel is attached to the retina, and pulls on the retina as it shrinks.

The vitrectomy (removal of the gel) helps to relieve any traction caused by the gel pulling away from the retinal surface. Once the gel is removed, the eye is filled with a gas bubble that helps to flatten the edges of the macular hole and hold it in place as it heals.

What to expect following a vitrectomy

Following a vitrectomy, your eye doctor will instruct you to remain in a face-down position for a day or two— though in some cases when the surgical repair is more extensive, for up to two to three weeks. The face-down position is crucial for recovery, as it enables the gas bubble to efficiently press against the macula. As the hole heals, the bubble will disappear and the natural eye fluid will return.

Your eye doctor can recommend specialized equipment to facilitate face-down positioning to make your recovery period more comfortable. 

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you are experiencing any changes to your vision, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you for a comprehensive exam of your eye health and vision.

The post What Is a Macular Hole? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Many people perform their daily chores without even thinking about the risk of an eye injury. Well, considering 50 percent of all eye injuries occur at home, you may want to think about increasing your eye protection around the house.

The most ordinary activities, such as cooking, cleaning, home improvement projects and yard work can cause an eye injury that may result in temporary or even permanent vision loss.

However, 78 percent of people report not wearing any type of protective eyewear while performing these tasks.

Eye doctors recommend that every household have a pair of protective eyewear that can be worn during activities that pose a risk to your eye health. These specialized glasses or goggles are made from impact-resistant polycarbonate or trivex material that is highly durable, and offers the protection you need to keep your eyes safe from injury.

If you suspect you have an eye condition, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Protecting your Eyes from Blue Light

According to studies, up to 40 percent of eye injuries occur while working in the yard or performing home improvement projects.

Lawnmowers and power tools have warning signs written all over them, and for good reason. When operating this type of machinery, it is important to protect yourself from any potential hazard that could result in an injury.

Protective eyewear is one of the first things you should grab off your shelf or workbench before beginning any type of project — even if you just plan on mowing your lawn.

Blades of grass, sawdust, and other types of debris can fly through the air at a speed that can cause real damage if it hits your eye, and can even result in vision loss.

It is also important to remember to protect your eyes when handling any type of chemical or cleaning product.

While many household chores may appear innocuous, an estimated 125,000 eye injuries occur each year from toxic chemicals and cleaning products.

Many different types of eye injuries can be prevented by simply remembering to wear protective eyewear and following certain safety guidelines.

The 6 do’s and don’ts of household chores

 DO

1. DO wear safety glasses or goggles when operating any type of power tool.
2. DO remove sticks, pine cones, glass, or pieces of plastic that can fly in the air before mowing your lawn or trimming your hedges.
3. DO read instructions and warning labels on all cleaning and chemical products before use.
4. DO wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling chemical products.
5. DO wash your hands thoroughly after using any type of cleaning or chemical product.
6. DO keep a pair of safety goggles in your kitchen to protect your eyes while chopping onions, garlic, hot peppers etc.— if these vegetables can make your eyes tear without any contact, imagine what can happen if you accidentally rub your eyes while handling them?

DON’T

1. DON’T operate any type of power tool when children or unprotected bystanders are in close proximity.
2. DON’T perform any type of home improvement project or yard work without proper eye protection.
3. DON’T keep chemicals or cleaning products within a child’s reach.
4. DON’T touch your eyes or face while handling chemicals or cleaning products.
5. DON’T mix chemical products.
6. DON’T rub your eyes if your hands are dirty.

Following these safety tips can significantly reduce your chances of sustaining an eye injury at home. 

Practicing these tips consistently will not only protect your eyes and vision, but will also help you to educate your children on the importance of eye protection, even while performing day-to-day activities.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Exams

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam, and to discuss any questions you may have about treating your eye condition.

The post Eye Protection at Home appeared first on Optometrists.org.

When purchasing toys for your children keep in mind that many toys can pose a risk of eye injury. Many of these toys are popular among children, but if mishandled, can turn a fun playdate with a friend into a trip to the emergency room.

Popular toys that can cause an eye injury

1. Guns that shoot any type of dart, pellet, balloon or even water. Most toy guns can shoot at a fast enough speed to cause real harm— even if the “missile” looks completely harmless. Toy guns, water guns and water balloon launchers can cause severe eye damage and even loss of vision.
2. Pointy objects such as swords, sabers, wands, bayonets, fishing poles, and anything else of the sort can lead to eye damage if the user is not careful. Many eye injuries occur from getting poked or scratched on the eye and can lead to serious consequences, including permanent vision loss and blindness.
3. Aerosol string contains chemicals that can cause eye irritation and even chemical conjunctivitis.
4. Bright flashlights and laser pointers contain a light intensity strong enough to cause temporary or even permanent vision loss if shined into the eye.

The most common toy-related eye injuries include:

• Corneal abrasions
• Corneal ulcers
• Traumatic cataracts
• Retinal detachment
• Internal eye bleeding

Since it may be difficult to avoid these popular toys altogether, it is important to teach your child about eye safety and instruct them how to properly play with these toys. With appropriate use, these toys can be safe and fun to play with.

An important rule to emphasize is, never point anything— a gun, pointy object, bright light, chemical spray, or any other object— in the direction of someone’s eyes.

If you suspect your child has an eye injury, contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Top 5 Pediatric Eye Emergencies

What to do if your child has injured their eye

If your child has sustained an eye injury, contact your eye doctor or primary care physician immediately.

Most doctors have emergency numbers that you can use after hours, or on weekends. If you cannot reach your doctor, go straight to the nearest emergency room.

The earlier your child is seen by a medical professional, the higher their chances will be for optimal treatment results.

What to do if a foreign object is in your child’s eye?

While it is important to contact your eye doctor if a foreign object is stuck in your child’s eye, sometimes it is possible to remove the object by yourself.

Only attempt to remove the object if you are confident that the object is easy to remove, such as an eyelash or piece of dust, and has not caused any eye damage. 

Follow these steps to safely remove the object from your child’s eye:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Locate the object.
3. Instruct your child to squeeze their eyelids shut and blink to produce tears which will flush the object out. Avoid rubbing the eyes, as it can make the problem worse.
4. If the object is behind the upper eyelid: pull their upper lid gently over their lower lid, instruct them to look upward to push the object off the upper lid.
5. If the object is under the lower lid or in the corner of their eye, use a damp soft cloth or cotton swab to gently remove it.
6. Use a cup of lukewarm water to flush the object out by slowly pouring lukewarm water into their eye and letting the water run down their face.

The eyes are extremely delicate. If you are unable to remove the object from your eye, stay calm and contact your eye doctor for emergency assistance.

Protecting children from eye injuries

Prevention is key!

It is important to educate your child about eye injury risks during playtime and the importance of being careful while playing with certain toys.

It is equally important to protect your child’s eyes with protective eyewear during certain games and activities.

By educating your child, you are empowering them with the tools they need to protect themselves when outside of your supervision.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

If you are worried your child may have have suffered an eye injury – immediately schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.

The post Eye Injuries: Are All Toys Safe for Children? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Washing your hands with warm water and soap for 30 seconds can help stop the spread of viruses.

However, soap and water is not always available, especially in the places where you need them most (think: subway stations, stores, cabs, and even the local park).  We are constantly touching things and spreading germs from contaminated surfaces.

Did you know that touching your face, specifically your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands first is the number one way to catch a virus?

Well, thank goodness, there is one solution that can help to rectify this problem. Small bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizer have become widely popular, especially these days when COVID-19 threatens us at every corner.

Doctors recommend walking around with a hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration of between 60-95%, in your pocket, purse, backpack or briefcase so that it is easily accessible when you need it most.

The alcohol in the hand sanitizer can help to kill germs and protect you when soap and water is not available.

If hand sanitizer got in your eye, contact an eye doctor near you.

However, it is crucial to understand how to use hand sanitizer appropriately and make sure your children know how to use it as well. 

In recent months, there has been an increase in reports of eye emergencies associated with hand sanitizer, specifically alcohol-based hand sanitizer accidentally getting squirt or rubbed into the eyes.

This can be quite dangerous if not handled correctly, and even lead to vision loss.

If an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gets into your eye, you will feel stinging and burning upon contact. While your first instinct may be to rub your eyes, try to avoid this at all costs, as this can actually make the problem worse.

If the cornea (the clear front covering of your eye) or the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye) becomes damaged by the alcohol, you may experience severe pain and/or light sensitivity.

Signs to look out for

• Burning
• Stinging
• Redness
• Eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Vision loss

What should you do?

Wash your eye thoroughly with warm water for at least 10 minutes. Some eye doctors recommend placing your head under a gentle stream of running water in your bathroom or kitchen sink, so the water can run continuously into your eye and just as easily drain out.

While you are doing so, be sure to keep your other eye tightly closed to avoid contaminated water from seeping into your unaffected eye.

If your eyes continue to feel a burning or stinging sensation or experience any vision changes or vision loss, contact an eye doctor immediately, as this is considered an eye emergency and must be treated promptly.

The post Eye Emergency: Hand Sanitizer in Your Eye appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The cornea is the translucent, outermost layer of the eye that covers the pupil and iris. The cornea plays a vital role in bending light to allow it to pass through the pupil and enter the eye.

A corneal ulcer, also known as keratitis, is an open sore that develops on the cornea and appears as a white or grey spot on the eye. Corneal ulcers are typically caused by an eye infection, severe dry eyes, an eye injury, or another eye condition.

Corneal ulcers can cause severe pain, vision problems and even permanent vision loss if not treated properly.

Symptoms of a corneal ulcer

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your eye doctor as soon as possible:

• Red eyes
• Eye pain and soreness
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Tearing
• Discharge
• Foreign body sensation
• Eyelid swelling
• White or grey spot on cornea

If you suffer from any of these symptoms contact an eye doctor near you.

What causes a corneal ulcer to develop?

Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an eye infection. 

Bacterial infection. This is the most common type of infection that can lead to corneal ulcers. It is generally caused by poor contact lens hygiene, dirty contact lenses, or wearing contact lenses longer than directed. 

Viral infection. The herpes simplex virus can cause cold sores around the mouth as well as sores on the cornea.

This virus is most common among people who are overly stressed, have a weakened immune system, or are frequently exposed to sunlight and UV radiation.

The varicella virus that causes the chicken pox and shingles can also lead to the development of a corneal ulcer.

Fungal infection. Misuse of steroid eye drops or inadequate contact lens hygiene can cause a fungal infection that can lead to a corneal ulcer. Fungal infections can also develop following an eye injury that involves plant material, such a small leaf particle or even tiny wooden debris, though they also frequently occur in people with weakened immune systems.

Parasitic (acanthamoeba) infections. This type of infection is rare, but can lead to permanent vision loss.  Acanthamoeba are microscopic, single-celled amoeba found in freshwater and soil. If this parasite comes in contact with the eye, a serious infection can result. This type of infection is most common among contact lens wearers, when water is used in place of prescribed contact lens solutions.

Additional causes

Corneal ulcers can also be caused by a corneal injury that increases the risk of infection, or an eye condition that affects the normal lubrication of the eye.

The most common causes include:

• Corneal abrasion (scratch)
• Chemical burn on the eye
• Dry eye syndrome
• Bell’s palsy
• Eye inflammatory disorders

Contact an eye doctor near you if you suffer from server pain or vision problems.

SEE RELATED: Corneal Abrasions (Scratch)

How is a corneal ulcer diagnosed?

Corneal ulcers are diagnosed during an eye exam.

If you think you may have a corneal ulcer, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent permanent vision damage and vision loss. 

To determine the presence of a corneal ulcer, your eye doctor will insert drops into your eye containing a fluorescent dye, called fluorescein. This dye will help your doctor to locate the ulcer by highlighting the corneal damage when exposed to blue light.

Your eye doctor may also numb your eye with drops to gently swab your eye and collect a sample of the ulcer to send to the laboratory. This will help your doctor to determine what type of infection has caused the ulcer, and facilitate the most effective treatment plan.

How is a corneal ulcer treated?

Most corneal ulcers can be treated with an antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal eye drop. 

In some cases, antifungal tablets or eye injections of medication will be used as well. Your eye doctor may also prescribe oral pain medication to help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms.

Once the infection has cleared, your eye doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory or steroid eye drop to reduce inflammation and decrease your risk of corneal scarring.

Will I need a corneal transplant?

A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that is performed in severe cases, when a scar develops on the cornea and vision is permanently impaired.

A corneal transplant may also be recommended if the corneal ulcer is unresponsive to traditional treatment methods.

With a new clear cornea, vision can be restored.

Preventing corneal ulcers

The following factors can increase your risk of developing a corneal ulcer:

• Expired, damaged, or dirty contact lenses
• Misuse of steroid eye drops
• Severe dry eyes
• Corneal injury or chemical burn
• Cold sores, chicken pox, or shingles

The most effective way to reduce your risk of developing a corneal ulcer is to seek immediate treatment for an eye infection, injury or severe dry eyes.

It is also advisable to practice the following eye health and safety guidelines:

• Never sleep in your contact lenses.
• Always wash your hands before touching your eyes.
• Always disinfect your contact lenses before inserting and removing them.
• If you feel something in your eye, try to flush it out with sterile saline or contact lens solution— if you cannot flush it out, contact your eye doctor.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Corneal Diseases

If you think you may have a corneal ulcer, it is important to seek immediate medical care. 

While corneal ulcers are treatable, they can cause vision problems and should be examined early on to prevent permanent corneal damage or vision loss. 

The post Corneal Ulcers appeared first on Optometrists.org.

What is the cornea?

The cornea is the clear, outermost layer of the eye that is responsible for bending light as it enters the eye, and protecting the eye from outside bacteria, viruses and germs. When the cornea suffers a scratch, this protective barrier is disrupted— placing you at an increased risk of serious corneal ulceration or infections.

Corneal scratches can range from minor to severe, and can sometimes lead to secondary problems such as a corneal ulcer or an inflammatory condition called iritis.

What is a corneal abrasion?

A corneal abrasion (or scratch) can occur from anything that comes in contact with the eye’s corneal surface — though many people are unable to determine what has caused it, as symptoms don’t always surface immediately.

The most common causes include:

• A foreign substance in the eye— sand, dirt, eyelash, etc.
• Poking the eye with a makeup brush, finger, paper, etc.
• Getting scratched in the eye by a baby or pet
• Chemicals in the eye
• Rubbing the eye vigorously
• Difficulties inserting or removing a contact lens
• Wearing damaged, dirty, or poor fitting contact lenses 
• Eye injury while playing sports 
• Moderate or severe dry eyes

Do I have a corneal abrasion?

If you think you may have scratched your cornea, contact your eye doctor as soon as possible. 

A scratched cornea typically causes the following symptoms:

• Eye pain
• Tearing
• Red eyes
• Foreign body sensation
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty keeping the eye open

Since the cornea is extremely sensitive, even a small scratch can cause a corneal ulcer and severe pain. 

If you feel like something is stuck in your eye, try not to rub your eye— this can make the scratch worse. Instead, blink multiple times and pull your upper lid over your lower lid in an attempt to dislodge any foreign matter.

If this doesn’t work, flush your eye with a sterile saline or contact lens solution and contact your eye doctor.

Caution: Eye doctors recommend only using a sterile solution to flush foreign matter out of your eye, as regular water and even bottled water may contain certain microorganisms that can put your eye at risk of infection— especially when the eye contains an open wound.

How is a corneal abrasion diagnosed?

It is important to seek treatment for a corneal abrasion (even a minor one) to reduce your risk of developing a corneal ulcer. 

To locate a corneal scratch, your eye doctor may numb your eye with an eye drop to keep it open during the examination.

Your doctor may also apply another type of eye drop that contains yellow dye, to highlight the scratch using a blue light and magnification.

If your eye is infected, your eye doctor may wish to swab your eye and send the culture to a lab to determine the most effective medication.

If you experience eye pain or blurry vision, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Corneal Ulcers

How is a corneal abrasion treated?

Your eye doctor may prescribe any of the following treatments, depending on the severity of the abrasion:

• Topical NSAIDs (eye drop of ointment) to reduce pain and inflammation
• Topical antibiotics (eye drop or ointment) to prevent an infection and corneal ulcer
• Non-preservative lubricating eye drops to keep your eye lubricated, hydrated and comfortable
• Oral pain reliever such as ibuprofen to alleviate discomfort
• Bandage contact lens to cover the abrasion— this can be used with prescription eye drops to provide pain relief and facilitate healing

With prompt treatment, a minor corneal abrasion should heal within a few days, without any permanent vision loss. A more severe abrasion will generally take about a week or two to heal.

If not treated properly, a corneal abrasion can lead to a corneal ulcer, which can threaten loss of vision. 

While your eye is healing, give your eyes a rest from contact lenses— this will help your cornea to heal and reduce the risk of infection. Also, it is a good idea to keep a pair of sunglasses nearby for both outdoor and indoor use, to reduce light sensitivity.

Follow up with your eye doctor to ensure that your eye is healing properly and determine when you will be ready to resume normal activities. 

Preventing corneal abrasions

Corneal abrasions are the most common eye injury in children.

However, most corneal scratches can be prevented by practicing the following eye health and safety guidelines:

• Never try to remove anything stuck in your eye.
• Always wear safety goggles when working in the yard, playing sports, and participating in any activities that require eye protection.
• Wear your contact lenses according to your eye doctor’s instructions— discard them in a timely manner, and practice contact lens hygiene.
• Treat your dry eye symptoms to ensure that your eyes remain hydrated and moist.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Corneal Conditions

If you are experiencing symptoms of a corneal abrasion, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. 

Even a minor scratch should be examined by a doctor to prevent infection and any other vision problems that can develop from an open wound.

Early treatment can facilitate optimal healing and help to reduce the risk of permanent and sight-threatening complications.

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