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What is corneal ulceration?
Corneal ulceration is a defect in the cornea, caused by truama or dry eyes. It ranges from a superficial scratch to a full thickeness laceration, which may lead to the leakage of eye contents. It is an extremely painful condition!
What are the signs?
- Excessive blinking or squinting
- Abnormal eye discharge
- Excessive tearing
- Swollen eye
What would the vet do?
The vet would first examine the exterior of the eye and the eye lids. They may shine light into the eye to visualise the surface of the cornea and the inside of the eye. After which a stain would be applied, it would absorb any defects on the cornea and would show up with a UV light. The stain would also indicate if there is a good flow of tears from the eye to the nose, which often may be blocked, via the duct that drains tears.
Treatment expected
Depending on the severity of injury, antibiotic eye drops, pain relief (oral medications/ eye drops), oral antibiotics and other eye gels to aid with corneal healing could be prescribed.
It is important to keep an elizabethan collar on during the healing period and update your vet if the eye condition appears to be worsening.
Melting ulcers could progress rapidly and lead to full thickness laceration of the cornea. Regular reviews with your vet is necessary to ensure the best treatment result. Need assistance? Get in touch.