Corneal Infections

Overview

A corneal infection occurs when the cornea is damaged by a foreign object, or from bacteria or fungi from a contaminated contact lens. This can cause painful inflammation and can lead to corneal scarring.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

The deeper the infection, the more severe the symptoms will be. A corneal infection can reduce visual clarity, produce a discharge, erode the cornea and cause scarring that can impair vision.

Treatment/Procedures

Minor infections are usually treated with anti-bacterial drops. More severe infections need stronger antibiotics or anti-fungal treatment to clear up infections, as well as steroid drops for inflammation. If cornea scarring occurs, it can lead to loss of vision and, possibly, blindness. In this case, a corneal transplant may be required.

Prevention

Corneal infection is a complication for many contact lens wearers, so proper maintenance of contacts is necessary to help prevent infection. People should also take proper care to avoid eye injury, such as wearing protective eyewear during activities that could throw particles or other foreign bodies into the eye accidentally.

Rehabilitation

If a corneal transplant is required, the patient must wear an eye patch for a certain period of time, which protects the new cornea from injury. Eye drops are required to prevent rejection of the transplant, and full vision recovery may take up to a year.