Tearing Discharge White spot on the cornea, that depending on the severity of the ulcer, may not be visible with the naked eye Light sensitivity Detection and Diagnosis Corneal ulcers are diagnosed with a careful examination using a slit lamp microscope . Special types of eye drops containing dye such as fluorescein may be instilled to highlight the ulcer, making it easier to detect. If an infectious organism is suspected, the doctor may order a culture. After numbing the eye with topical eye drops, cells are gently scraped from the corneal surface and tested to determine the infecting organism. The course of treatment depends on whether the ulcer is sterile or infectious.
Bacterial ulcers require aggressive treatment.
In some cases, antibacterial eye drops are used every 15 minutes. Steroid medications are avoided in cases of infectious ulcers. Sterile ulcers are typically treated by reducing the eye's inflammatory response with steroid drops, anti-inflammatory drops, and antibiotics. St. Luke's disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages that could result from use of the information obtained from this site.