Types of treatment

A corneal ulcer is an eye emergency. Treatment should be started as soon as possible. Treatment for a corneal ulcer varies depending on the cause. Types of treatment include:

• Antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection of the cornea

• Antiviral medicine to treat a viral infection

• Antifungal medicine to treat a fungal infection

• Pain medicine

• Steroid medicine used as directed by your eye care provider

You may need to take some of these medicines in the form of eye drops. Your healthcare provider may give you instructions about protecting your eye as it heals. For example, you may need to wear special contact lenses for a while. Don't wear your normal contact lenses unless your healthcare provider says you can.

You may be treated for the cause of your ulcer. This may help to prevent new ulcers. You may be treated for dry eye, vitamin deficiency, or an autoimmune disease.

What happens if you don’t get treated?

An untreated corneal ulcer can lead to:

• Corneal scarring

• Growth of abnormal blood vessels in the cornea

• Glaucoma

• Irregular astigmatism

• Cataracts

• Infection of the fluid or tissue in the eye

• Vision loss

If your cornea has damage and scarring, this can harm your eyesight. If not treated right away, a corneal ulcer can lead to severe loss of eyesight. Treating a corneal ulcer right away can reduce the risk of complications. If the damage to your cornea is severe, you may need other treatments, such as:

• A special type of contact lens

• Eye surgery with a laser (phototherapeutic keratectomy)

• A new cornea (corneal transplant)

Preventing a corneal ulcer

Not all types of corneal ulcers can be prevented. Make sure you wear protective eyewear when doing any activity that might lead to eye injury. If you have a problem with your eyes, see your eye care provider right away. Treat health conditions that may lead to corneal ulcers.

A major risk factor for a corneal ulcer is contact lens use. If you wear contact lenses:

• Make sure that they fit well.

• Don't wear them for longer than advised. Avoid overnight use.

• Wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly before touching your contacts. Clean your contacts exactly as directed.

• Never reuse lens solution or use homemade lens solution.

• Don't put your contact lenses in water or moisten them by putting them in your mouth. Also don't swim or shower while wearing them.

• Clean, rinse, and air-dry your lens case regularly. If possible, replace your contact lens case with a new one at least 3 times per year.

• Don't buy contact lenses from nonmedical sources.

• Be aware of the increased risk of infection with extended-wear lenses.

• Don't try to extend the life of your contacts by wearing them too long beyond their prescribed duration.

• Don't wear your contacts if your eyes are irritated or if you have an eye infection.

When to call the healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

• Severe eye pain

• Blurred vision

• Fluid coming from your eye

• New vision symptoms