Hypopyon Corneal Ulcer
Urgent Ocular Condition: NEET PG High-Yield
A hypopyon corneal ulcer is an infectious keratitis associated with the accumulation of inflammatory cells (pus) in the anterior chamber.
1. Pathogenesis & Etiology
The hypopyon is sterile in many cases, resulting from the diffusion of toxins from the corneal ulcer into the anterior chamber, triggering an inflammatory cascade.
- Most Common Organism: Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Other Causes: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Fungi (often associated with vegetative trauma).
2. Clinical Features
| Feature | Clinical Note |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Severe pain, photophobia, blurred vision, and mucopurulent discharge. |
| Signs | Corneal epithelial defect (fluorescein stain positive), ciliary injection, and a fluid level of pus (hypopyon) in the anterior chamber. |
3. NEET PG High-Yield Pearls
- Treatment: Requires immediate hospitalization and intensive topical antibiotic therapy (fortified antibiotics like Ceftazidime and Vancomycin).
- Contraindication: Topical steroids are strictly contraindicated until the infection is under control, as they can exacerbate the ulcer and promote perforation.
- Differential: Must distinguish from endophthalmitis (which involves the entire vitreous cavity).
- Resource: For clinical diagrams and high-yield question banks, visit mymedschool.org.