This 44-year-old, who used extended wear contact lenses, presents with a three day history of increasing pain, redness and poor vision. Why?
Analysis
In this image there is significant conjunctival and perilimbal injection. The corneal epithelium is no longer intact and there is a significant infiltration of the cornea such that the anterior chamber and iris details are lost. A hypopyon is present and the cornea in general is cloudy.
The patient was diagnosed with a corneal ulcer secondary to pseudomonas aeruginosa.
In this 11-minute video featuring Dr. Beeran Meghpara, co-director of the Refractive Surgery Department at Wills Eye Hospital, you will learn:
- How suppurative and the degree to which the epithelium is intact can serve to create a 2x2 matrix to help develop a differential diagnosis
- How contact lens use increases the risk of corneal infection
- The common pathogens for corneal ulcers
Cornea Coach Tip
If a corneal ulcer is suppurative and the epithelium is no longer intact, consider a virulent bacterial or fungal infection. In a contact lens wearer, consider Pseudomonas.
Not receiving our tips yet? Subscribe to receive them straight to your inbox.
