Corneal Ulcer: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When the clear front surface of your eye—the cornea, the transparent outer layer that protects the eye and helps focus light. Also known as the clear front of the eye, it gets damaged and infected, you’re dealing with a corneal ulcer, an open sore on the cornea, often caused by infection, injury, or contact lens misuse. This isn’t just a minor irritation. Left untreated, a corneal ulcer can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. It’s one of the most common reasons people end up in emergency eye care, especially among contact lens wearers, farmers, or anyone exposed to dust, plant matter, or dirty water.

Most corneal ulcers start with a tiny scratch—maybe from a fingernail, a branch, or even a contact lens that’s been worn too long. Then bacteria, fungi, or viruses move in. bacterial keratitis, a severe eye infection caused by bacteria like Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus, often linked to improper contact lens care. is the most common type. Fungal ulcers are rarer but more stubborn, often tied to plant injuries or rural environments. Viral ulcers usually come from herpes simplex, the same virus that causes cold sores. You’ll know something’s wrong if your eye is red, painful, watery, and sensitive to light. Sometimes you’ll even see a white spot on the cornea. If you feel this, don’t wait. Delaying treatment increases the risk of scarring or perforation.

Doctors treat these based on the cause. For bacterial infections, antibiotic eye drops are the first line—strong ones, often given every hour at first. Fungal ulcers need antifungal drops, which can take weeks to work. Viral cases require antiviral meds. In severe cases, you might need a corneal transplant. But prevention is way easier than treatment. Clean your contacts properly. Never sleep in them unless they’re approved for overnight wear. Wash your hands before touching your eyes. And if you get an eye injury, even a small one, get it checked. Many people think red eyes will clear up on their own. They won’t. A corneal ulcer doesn’t heal with time—it gets worse.

What you’ll find here are real, practical insights from posts that dig into how medications work, what risks to watch for, and how to avoid mistakes that lead to serious eye damage. From understanding how antifungal treatments like luliconazole cream (used for skin, but similar principles apply) are developed, to learning how drug interactions can affect healing, this collection gives you the tools to protect your vision—not just react to problems.