Corneal Infections
Cornea, being the outermost layer of the eye is subject to constant exposure to the environment.
The only two structures that delicately protect it are the Eyelids and the Tear Film.
Cornea can be infected by bacteria, viruses, fungus , protozoa & many micro organisms.
In India, Corneal Infections or Corneal Ulcers are an important cause of blindness.
If you are diagnosed to have a corneal infection , then your eye surgeon will need to examine the cornea and eyes in detail by slit lamp biomicroscope .
After the examination and clinical history is noted, we need to identify the microorganisms by an out patient procedure (OPD) called as corneal scraping ( usually performed on the slit lamp biomicroscope ) .
The material from the corneal scraping is sent to the pathology/ microbiology laboratory and also examined in the clinic for any Fungus .
Based on the test reports and clinical examinationt appropriate targetted therapy ( usually drops) are started at a specific frequency.
Corneal Infections need close follow ups , sometimes daily, till they start healing. If they do not heal then they may also need surgical intervention like a therapeutic keratoplasty to save the eye.
