Corneal Ulcers & Laser Eye Surgery

Corneal ulcers occur when the cornea, or clear part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil, becomes infected. Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by bacteria. LASIK surgery cannot be performed if a person has an active corneal ulcer. Corneal ulcers are a potential complication of LASIK surgery, as well.

Corneal Ulcers Prior to LASIK

• Corneal ulcers will typically leave a scar. If the scar is significant enough to alter the anatomy of the cornea, it may make LASIK unsafe for that person.

Active Corneal Ulcers

• If a person has an active corneal ulcer prior to LASIK surgery, the surgery must be postponed until the ulcer heals. At that time, the patient's optometrist or ophthalmologist must determine if the ulcer damaged the cornea enough to make LASIK unsafe.

Corneal Ulcers as a LASIK Complication

• As stated by the National Institutes of Health, corneal infections, such as ulcers are a possible complication of LASIK surgery.

How Corneal Ulcers Form After LASIK Surgery

• Most often, if a person develops a corneal ulcer following LASIK surgery, it is because they did not use their eye drops properly. Because the cornea's integrity is compromised during LASIK surgery, the patient must use their antibiotic eye drops meticulously following the surgery. If they do not, bacteria have an easy time causing an infection.

Symptoms of a Corneal Ulcer

• The symptoms of a corneal ulcer are the same with or without LASIK surgery. They include a red eye that burns, waters, is light sensitive, and possibly has reduced vision. If someone has these symptoms, especially following LASIK surgery, they must contact their eye care provider immediately.