Corneal Ulcer and Ulcerative Keratitis in Emergency Medicine Questions & Answers

Updated: Aug 05, 2019
  • Author: Jesse Borke, MD, FACEP, FAAEM; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is a corneal ulcer?

What is the pathophysiology of corneal ulcers?

What is the prevalence of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What is the global prevalence of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What is the morbidity associated with corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What are the sexual predilections of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

Which age groups have the highest prevalence of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What is the prevalence of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis in contact lens wearers?

What is the prognosis of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

Presentation

What is the focus of clinical history in the evaluation of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What are the signs and symptoms of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What information about contact lens use should be included in the clinical history for corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What is included in past medical history for corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

Which factors increase the risk for corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

Which physical findings are characteristic of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What is the role of visual acuity in the assessment of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What is included in the gross exam of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What is the role of slit-lamp exam in the assessment of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What is the role of fluorescein staining of the cornea in the assessment of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What causes corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

What causes bacterial corneal ulcers?

What causes viral corneal ulcers?

What causes fungal and parasitic corneal ulcers?

What are the possible complications of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

Workup

What is the role of lab tests in the workup of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

Treatment

Which factors affect the treatment of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

How are corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis with low risk of vision loss treated?

How are vision threatening corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis treated?

How are corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis treated in the emergency department (ED)?

How are corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis with medium risk of vision loss treated?

How long should contact lens wear be discontinued in patients with corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

How is pain managed in corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis?

How are viral corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis treated?

How are fungal corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis treated?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis?

What further outpatient care is indicated in the treatment of corneal ulcer and ulcerative keratitis?

When is inpatient care indicated for the treatment of corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis?

Medications

What is the goal of medical treatment corneal ulcers and ulcerative keratitis?

Which medications in the drug class Antivirals, Ophthalmic are used in the treatment of Corneal Ulcer and Ulcerative Keratitis in Emergency Medicine?

Which medications in the drug class Analgesics are used in the treatment of Corneal Ulcer and Ulcerative Keratitis in Emergency Medicine?

Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) are used in the treatment of Corneal Ulcer and Ulcerative Keratitis in Emergency Medicine?

Which medications in the drug class Antifungals are used in the treatment of Corneal Ulcer and Ulcerative Keratitis in Emergency Medicine?

Which medications in the drug class Cycloplegics are used in the treatment of Corneal Ulcer and Ulcerative Keratitis in Emergency Medicine?

Which medications in the drug class Antirheumatic, disease-modifying agents are used in the treatment of Corneal Ulcer and Ulcerative Keratitis in Emergency Medicine?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Corneal Ulcer and Ulcerative Keratitis in Emergency Medicine?

Which medications in the drug class Anesthetics are used in the treatment of Corneal Ulcer and Ulcerative Keratitis in Emergency Medicine?