A corneal ulcer is an ocular emergency that raises high-stakes questions about diagnosis and management. Four corneal experts provide a guide to diagnostic differentiators and timely treatment, focusing on the types of ulcers most likely to appear in your waiting room. When a large corneal ulcer is staring you in the face, time is not on your side.
Siderosis, also called welder's lung, is a lung disease caused by breathing in iron or iron oxide dust. Siderosis is considered to be an occupational illness because people breathe in the iron dust at work. The condition usually shows up on X-rays as small, opaque spots on the worker's lungs.
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a disorder resulting from a temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the bones. When the blood supply is disrupted (avascular), the bone tissues begin to break down (necrosis). This can weaken the bone and eventually result in its collapse. If this occurs near a joint, it can lead to the collapse of the joint surface, resulting in pain and inflammation (arthritis).