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Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Corneal Ulcer Treatment
Self-Care at Home
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately.
- Apply cool compresses to the affected eye.
- Do not touch or rub your eye with your fingers.
- Limit spread of infection by washing your hands often and drying them with a clean towel.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Motrin).
Medical Treatment
- Your ophthalmologist will remove your contact lenses if you are wearing them.
- Your ophthalmologist will generally not place a patch over your eye if he or she suspects that you have a bacterial infection. Patching creates a warm dark environment that allows bacterial growth.
- Hospitalization may be required if the ulcer is severe.
more information from eMedicineHealth
WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth
Reviewed by
Charlotte E. Grayson Mathis, MD on May 24, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
© 2006 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
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