Corneal

WHAT IS BACTERIAL KERATITIS (CORNEAL ULCER)?

Bacterial keratitis is also known as a corneal infection, and is caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses in the corneal tissue. Common bacteria include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Frequent causes of these ulcers include corneal abrasion and poor contact lens hygiene. Symptoms may include eye pain, redness, itching and burning, increased tearing, and sensitivity to light. Patients may notice a white patch or milky film on the cornea. Immediate attention by an ophthalmologist may prevent corneal ulceration. Without intervention, a corneal ulcer can result in the infection spreading which can permanently damage the cornea or even perforate the eye. Treatment usually revolves around a course of antibiotics.

WHAT IS CHLAMYDIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS?

Chlamydial conjunctivitis is an ocular infection of the inner eyelid. Chlamydia is one of the most sexually transmitted diseases, and chlamydia conjunctivitis usually impacts sexually active teens and young adults. Women are more susceptible to chlamydia than men, and their infants can also be affected. The incidence of this type of infection is directly related to sexual activity. Symptoms include a long-standing eye infection with mucus discharge, usually lasting three weeks or more despite the use of antibiotics. For women, vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or urethritis are also common.

WHAT IS GONOCOCCAL CONJUNCTIVITIS?

Gonococcal conjunctivitis is another sexually transmitted ocular disease. It is highly contagious and newborn babies can acquire it by passing through an infected birth canal. Symptoms include red eye with a sensation of a foreign body within 2-7 days of exposure. The infected eye can be swollen and gluey with significant pus discharge (sometimes glued shut). Transmission to the eye results after contact with a genital infection. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.