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Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the clear front surface of the eye, usually from infection. It is a serious condition that needs urgent treatment to save sight.
Causes & risk factors
- Bacterial, viral or fungal infection
- Contact lens misuse or poor hygiene
- Eye injury or a scratch on the cornea
- Severe dry eye
- Reduced blinking or eyelid problems
Common symptoms
- Red, painful eye
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery or discharging eye
- A white spot on the cornea
- Feeling of something in the eye
Tests & diagnosis
- Slit-lamp eye examination
- Corneal scraping for culture
- Vision test
- Fluorescein staining
Treatment & management
- This needs urgent eye specialist care
- Intensive antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal drops
- Stopping contact lens use
- Pain relief and close monitoring
- Surgery (corneal transplant) in severe cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- A painful red eye with blurred vision (seek care urgently)
- A white spot on the cornea
- Severe light sensitivity or discharge
- Contact lens wearers with a sudden painful eye
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about corneal ulcer. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can contact lenses cause corneal ulcers?
Yes. Poor lens hygiene, sleeping in lenses or overwearing them is a common cause. Good hygiene and correct use greatly reduce the risk.
Is a corneal ulcer an emergency?
Yes. It can damage vision quickly, so a painful red eye with blurring needs same-day assessment by an eye specialist.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.