Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Corneal ulcer) that could possibly cause Corneal ulcer includes:
More causes: see full list of causes for Corneal ulcer
Other conditions that might have Corneal ulcer as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Corneal ulcer. Our database lists the following as having Corneal ulcer as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Corneal ulcer as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Corneal ulcer. Our database lists the following as having Corneal ulcer as a symptom of that condition:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Corneal ulcer may be found in:
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Corneal ulcers generally result from protozoan, bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Common bacterial sources include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus (Diplococcus) pneumoniae, and Moraxella liquefaciens; viral sources comprise herpes simplex type 1, variola, vaccinia, and varicella-zoster viruses; and common fungal sources are Candida, Fusarium, and Cephalosporium.
Other causes include trauma, exposure, reactions to bacterial infections, toxins, trichiasis, entropion, allergens, and wearing of contact lenses. (See What happens in corneal ulceration.) Tuberculoprotein causes a classic phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis, vitamin A deficiency results in xerophthalmia, and fifth cranial nerve lesions lead to neurotropic ulcers.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
A corneal abrasion usually results from a foreign body, such as a cinder or a piece of dust, dirt, or grit that becomes embedded under the eyelid. Even if the foreign body is washed out by tears, it may still injure the cornea. Small pieces of metal that get in the eyes of workers who don’t wear protective glasses quickly form a rust ring on the cornea and cause corneal abrasion. Such abrasions also commonly occur in the eyes of people who fall asleep wearing hard contact lenses or whose lenses aren’t fitted properly.
A corneal scratch produced by a fingernail, a piece of paper, or other organic substance may cause a persistent lesion. The epithelium doesn’t always heal properly, and a recurrent corneal erosion may develop, with delayed effects more severe than the original injury.
In the United States, corneal abrasions are a common ophthalmologic cause of emergency department visits. Incidence is highest among younger, physically active individuals; corneal abrasions are rare in elderly people.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Corneal ulcers generally result from bacterial, protozoan, viral, or fungal infections. Common bacterial sources include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus (Diplococcus) pneumoniae, and Moraxella liquefaciens; viral sources, herpes simplex type 1, and varicella-zoster viruses; and common fungi, such as Candida, Fusarium, and Cephalosporium.
Other causes include trauma, exposure, reactions to bacterial infections, toxins, and allergens. Tuberculoprotein causes a classic phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis; vitamin A deficiency results in xerophthalmia; and fifth cranial nerve lesions result in neurotropic ulcers.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
A corneal abrasion usually results from a foreign body, such as a cinder or a piece of dust, dirt, or grit, which becomes embedded under the eyelid. Even if the foreign body is washed out by tears, it may still injure the cornea.
A small piece of metal that gets in the eyes of workers who don’t wear protective glasses quickly forms an abrasion and then forms a rust ring on the cornea. Abrasions also commonly occur in the eyes of people who fall asleep wearing hard contact lenses. A corneal scratch produced by a fingernail, a piece of paper, or another organic substance may cause a persistent lesion. The epithelium doesn’t always heal properly, and a recurrent corneal erosion may develop, with delayed effects more severe than those of the original injury.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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