OVERVIEW:
Cornea is a part of the human eye that forms the clear outer layer. It is similar to a window and helps in maintaining normal vision by focusing the light at the right spot inside the eye.
A corneal specimen is a sample of the cornea that may be drawn for various lab tests.
The Corneal Specimen for Bacterial Culture and Staining (Aerobic) Gram Stain Lab Test is a clinical test that checks for any bacteria that are present in the pericardial fluid. The timely detection allows for early control of the bacteria that may cause mild or serious infections.
A sample of the Cornea is usually taken for the test with fine medical tools. Please consult your doctor for further information.
- What are the risks associated with this test?
There are no significant risks associated with this test; however, you may experience redness, pain, and irritation at the tested site. Please contact your doctor immediately if your pain worsens or is persistent.
- Is the Corneal Specimen collection procedure painful?
Most patients who have undergone this procedure consider it to be fairly tolerable in terms of pain and discomfort. However, local or general anesthesia (temporary sleep and insensitivity to pain) may be used.
- Can I get serious infections in my Cornea?
While some bacterial infections are mild and reasonably treatable, others may be serious and require aggressive antibiotic therapy. Therefore, it is best that you discuss your condition with your doctor and follow all instructions and necessary precautions.
- Can I eat normally use my phone, laptop, etc if I have had a corneal surgery?
The cornea is a vital part of the eye that helps with vision by focusing the light onto the right spot. After its surgery, you will most likely be advised to limit your screen-time and avoid the use of gadgets, such as phone, laptop, etc, till you fully recover.
- How long does it take to recover from a corneal surgery?
The recovery time is primarily dependent on the patient’s age and overall health. Most patients who undergo corneal surgery recover within 1-2 weeks; however, some may take longer. Please note that your vision may still be blurry for some time after the surgery; however, this is temporary and resolves with time. For effective and quick healing, please follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Is corneal surgery painful?
After the surgery, your eye may be covered with an eye pad, which is removed a day after the surgery. When the eye pad is taken off, your vision may be blurry; however, this is temporary and resolves with time. As reported, there is no serious pain after the procedure, but you may experience slight discomfort.
The results may be positive or negative, depending on the type of bacteria present.
Positive: Meaning that you have an infection and require treatment.
Negative: Meaning you do not have an infection.
Some bacterial infections are mild, whilst others are serious and can have dire consequences. Getting tested is essential for the following reasons:
- Helps you and your doctor diagnose various infections and predict the outcomes
- Regular check-up
- Diagnose conditions before they progress and prove to be fatal
- Plan treatment and evaluate effectiveness of given therapy