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How can you care for a corneal ulcer?
- Use the prescribed eyedrops or ointment as directed. At first, this may be every 1 to 2 hours. Be sure the dropper or bottle tip is clean. To put in eyedrops or ointment:
- Tilt your head back, and pull your lower eyelid down with one finger.
- Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
- Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops or ointment move around.
- Do not touch the ointment or dropper tip to your eyelashes or any other surface.
- Do not use your contact lens in your hurt eye until your doctor says you can.
- Wear sunglasses to help relieve pain from bright light.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- See your doctor for checkups as often as scheduled. At first, this may be daily to make sure your eye is healing.
Corneal ulcer: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse eye pain.
- You have symptoms of an eye infection, such as:
- Pus or thick discharge coming from the eye.
- Redness or swelling around the eye.
- A fever.
- You have vision changes.
- It feels like there is something in your eye.
- Light hurts your eye.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.