What is a corneal ulcer?
The cornea is the transparent, shiny membrane which makes up the front of the eyeball. Think of it as a clear window. To understand a corneal ulcer, you must first understand how the cornea is constructed.
The cornea is comprised of three layers. The most superficial layer is the epithelium. This layer is comprised of many very thin layers of cells. Below the epithelium is the stroma, and the deepest layer is Descemetís membrane. Because all of these layers of the cornea are clear, it is not possible to see them without special stains which colour particular cells and highlight them when looked at with a microscope.
An erosion of few layers of the epithelium is called a corneal erosion or a corneal abrasion. A corneal ulcer is an erosion through the entire epithelium and into the stroma. If the erosion goes through the epithelium and stroma to the level of Descemet’s membrane, a descemetocele exists. If Descemet’s membrane ruptures, the liquid inside the eyeball leaks out, the eye collapses and irreparable damage can occur.
The cornea is comprised of three layers. The most superficial layer is the epithelium. This layer is comprised of many very thin layers of cells. Below the epithelium is the stroma, and the deepest layer is Descemetís membrane. Because all of these layers of the cornea are clear, it is not possible to see them without special stains which colour particular cells and highlight them when looked at with a microscope.
An erosion of few layers of the epithelium is called a corneal erosion or a corneal abrasion. A corneal ulcer is an erosion through the entire epithelium and into the stroma. If the erosion goes through the epithelium and stroma to the level of Descemet’s membrane, a descemetocele exists. If Descemet’s membrane ruptures, the liquid inside the eyeball leaks out, the eye collapses and irreparable damage can occur.
