Corneal Ulcer Symptoms: Signs, Risks, and What to Do Next

When your corneal ulcer, a painful open sore on the clear front surface of the eye develops, it doesn’t always start with a dramatic event. Often, it begins with a tiny scratch from a contact lens, a dust particle, or even an eyelash. Left untreated, this small injury can turn into a serious infection that threatens your vision. A corneal ulcer isn’t just a red eye—it’s a medical emergency that needs fast attention.

Common corneal ulcer symptoms, include intense eye pain, a feeling like something’s stuck in your eye, and extreme sensitivity to light. Many people describe it as a burning or stabbing sensation that won’t go away, even with over-the-counter drops. You might notice blurred or cloudy vision, or see a white or gray spot on your eye. Redness isn’t always mild—it can look like a deep, angry red ring around the iris. If you wear contacts, you might feel like your lens doesn’t fit right anymore, even if it’s clean. And don’t ignore discharge. Yellow or green fluid leaking from the eye is a clear sign your body is fighting an infection.

What makes this worse is that people often delay care. They think it’s just dry eyes, allergies, or a tired eye from screen time. But a corneal ulcer, often caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, especially in contact lens users can destroy the cornea in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Diabetics, people with weakened immune systems, or those who sleep in contacts are at higher risk. Even a minor injury from a tree branch or a fingernail can open the door. And if you’ve had one before, your chances of getting another go up.

There’s no home fix. Eye drops from the pharmacy won’t touch this. Only prescription antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals can stop the infection. Delaying treatment can lead to scarring, permanent vision loss, or even the need for a cornea transplant. That’s why knowing the symptoms matters—not just for yourself, but for anyone you know who wears contacts or has had eye trauma.

Below, you’ll find real, practical posts that explain how corneal ulcers develop, how they’re diagnosed, what treatments actually work, and how to prevent them from coming back. These aren’t generic advice pieces—they’re based on what doctors see daily and what patients wish they’d known sooner. If you’ve ever wondered why your eye won’t stop hurting, or if that red spot is something serious, these posts give you the answers without the fluff.