1. Vision loss: Corneal ulcers can cause significant vision loss, especially if they are large or deep. The ulcer can affect the clarity of the cornea, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
2. Scarring: Corneal ulcers can result in scarring of the cornea, which can further impair vision. Scarring can cause irregularities on the corneal surface, leading to astigmatism or other refractive errors.
3. Infection spread: If left untreated or not properly managed, corneal ulcers can spread and cause a more severe infection. This can lead to complications such as endophthalmitis, a serious infection of the inner eye.
4. Perforation: In some cases, corneal ulcers can become so deep that they penetrate through the entire thickness of the cornea, resulting in corneal perforation. This can lead to severe pain, increased risk of infection, and potential loss of the eye.
5. Recurrence: Corneal ulcers can sometimes recur, especially if the underlying cause is not properly addressed. Recurrent ulcers can be more challenging to treat and may require more aggressive management.
6. Secondary complications: Corneal ulcers can lead to secondary complications such as corneal neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the cornea), corneal thinning, or corneal edema (swelling). These complications can further compromise the health and function of the cornea.