Corneal ulcers, sometimes referred to as keratitis, affect the cornea, the outer dome that covers the front of your eye. This often occurs from an infection in the cornea or from a scratch or other injury that causes an open wound in the corneal tissues. To avoid permanent scarring, you need prompt treatment. Some people look to alternative methods, such as colloidal silver, but this treatment does not have any known benefit in treating a corneal ulcer.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is a liquid that contains silver particles that certain manufacturers claim has medicinal qualities. This substance is often found in capsules that you take by mouth or as a spray that you apply directly to the skin. The Food and Drug Administration issued a statement in 1999 deeming all over-the-counter products with colloidal silver as unsafe and ineffective. Side effects of using colloidal silver include changes in skin color, neurological problems, headaches and fatigue. You should not begin using colloidal silver without consulting with your doctor to determine any potential risks to your eye.
Complications
If you do not properly treat a corneal ulcer, you may experience prolonged discomfort and recurrent infections in the affected eye. You may also have extensive scarring on your cornea, and this could lead to extensive vision changes. In severe cases, the corneal ulcer could affect a significant portion of your cornea, requiring a corneal transplant. In the worst scenario, an untreated ulcer could result in the complete loss of the eye -- a surgical procedure called enucleation.
Treatment
A corneal ulcer that results from an infection will typically require an eye drop to treat the infection. Your doctor may also prescribe a medicated eye drop to reduce inflammation and the severity of your symptoms. As your corneal ulcer heals, you should make changes to aid in healing, such as not wear makeup or contact lenses until your ulcer resolves.
Considerations
Your doctor will not recommend that you use colloidal silver to treat your corneal ulcer. If you wish to use other alternative treatments, such as herbs or homeopathic treatments, consult with your doctor. She can inform you of the potential risks, as well as direct you toward the treatment most appropriate for your condition. If you and your doctor determine an herb or homeopathic treatment is appropriate, do not stop using a prescribed medication unless directed by your physician.
References
- MedlinePlus: Corneal Ulcers and Infections
- MayoClinic.com: Keratitis
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Colloidal Silver Products
- Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug Administration: Over-the-Counter Drug Products Containing Colloidal Silver Ingredients or Silver Salts
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