CORNEAL ULCER

l  Defect in the integrity of corneal epithelium along with infiltration of underlying stroma is defined as corneal ulcer.

l  It can be due to direct corneal trauma, chronic eyelid disease, tear film abnormalities, hypoxic trauma from contact lens wear, and deficient nutrition as in keratomalacia or neuroparalytic keratitis (Bell's palsy).

It is classified as;

1.  Infective keratitis may be bacterial, fungal or viral.

2.  Non infective like traumatic (chemical/thermal/radiation), neoplastic or immune mediated.