Jul242025
Corneal ulcer treatment options and eye care tips

Corneal Ulcer Treatment Options: From Medications to Surgery

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the clear front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including vision loss. Fortunately, today’s treatments – ranging from medicated eye drops to advanced surgical procedures – can effectively heal most corneal ulcers and protect your sight.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what causes a corneal ulcer, how to recognise the symptoms, and the best treatment options available in India. Whether you’re a patient or caring for someone with an eye infection, knowing what to expect can ease your worries and help you make informed decisions.

Understanding Corneal Ulcers

What Causes a Corneal Ulcer?

Corneal ulcers often occur when the cornea’s surface is injured, allowing germs to enter and cause an infection. The most common causes include:

  • Bacterial Infections: Particularly prevalent among contact lens wearers
  • Fungal Infections: Often linked to injuries involving plant material or contaminated water
  • Viral Infections: Such as herpes simplex virus affecting the eye
  • Eye Injuries: Scratches or foreign objects can damage the cornea
  • Dry Eyes: Severe dryness can increase the risk
  • Improper Contact Lens Use: Wearing lenses overnight or not cleaning them properly

Symptoms to Watch For

A corneal ulcer can become serious very quickly. Seek medical help if you notice:

  • Eye pain or a feeling of something in your eye
  • Redness and swelling
  • Blurry or reduced vision
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Sensitivity to light
  • A white or grey spot on the cornea

Prompt treatment can prevent permanent damage and preserve your eyesight.

Corneal Ulcer Treatment Options

The treatment for a corneal ulcer depends on its cause and severity. Your eye doctor will conduct a thorough examination and may take a small sample to pinpoint the infection. Here are the main corneal ulcer treatment options:

Corneal Ulcer Medications

For many patients, medicated eye drops are the first line of defence. Treatment often includes:

Antibiotic Eye Drops

  • Used for bacterial ulcers.
  • You may need to use them frequently, sometimes every hour or even during the night.
  • Depending on the infection’s severity, treatment lasts 2–3 weeks.

Antifungal or Antiviral Drops

  • Antifungal drops are prescribed if a fungal infection is identified.
  • Antiviral medications help treat ulcers caused by the herpes viruses.
  • These drops may also require frequent application over several weeks.

Pain Relief Options

  • Your doctor may recommend lubricating eye drops or oral pain medication.
  • In some cases, a cycloplegic drop is given to reduce pain by relaxing eye muscles.

Most patients start to feel relief within a few days, but it’s essential to complete the full course of treatment.

Corneal Ulcer Surgery

While most ulcers heal with medication, corneal ulcer surgery may be necessary if:

  • The ulcer is large or deep.
  • The cornea becomes severely scarred.
  • The eye develops a perforation (a hole in the cornea).

Types of Surgery

The most common surgical treatment is a corneal transplant (keratoplasty). In this procedure:

  • The damaged part of the cornea is removed.
  • Healthy donor tissue is placed to restore vision and strengthen the eye.

Recovery and Success Rates

  • Recovery after corneal ulcer surgery usually takes several weeks to months.
  • Vision often improves gradually.
  • Success rates are high, especially when surgery is performed early.

Your ophthalmologist will discuss the risks and benefits based on your specific case.

Home Care and Prevention

While professional treatment is essential, you can support healing and prevent future ulcers with these steps:

  • Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Wash your hands before touching your eyes or applying drops.
  • Use Contact Lenses Safely:
  • Never sleep in contact lenses unless your doctor says it’s safe.
  • Clean and store lenses as instructed.
  • Replace them as recommended.
  • Follow Up Regularly: Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
  • Protect Your Eyes: Wear protective eyewear when doing activities that could lead to injury.

Good habits go a long way in preventing infections and complications.

FAQs About Corneal Ulcer Treatment

1. How long does it take for a corneal ulcer to heal?

With prompt treatment, most corneal ulcers heal within 2–3 weeks. Severe or deeper ulcers may take more time to heal and can leave a scar that affects your vision.

2. Is corneal ulcer treatment painful?

It’s normal to feel a bit of discomfort, especially in the beginning. Pain usually improves within a few days of starting corneal ulcer medications. Your doctor can also prescribe drops or tablets to help manage pain.

3. Can corneal ulcers cause blindness?

If left untreated, a corneal ulcer can cause serious damage, scarring, or even blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly reduce this risk.

4. When should I see an eye doctor?

See an ophthalmologist immediately if you have:

  • Severe eye pain
  • Sudden vision changes
  • A white spot on your eye
  • Redness and discharge are not improving with basic care

Prompt care is the best way to protect your sight.

Conclusion

Corneal ulcers can be frightening, but the good news is that most cases respond well to treatment when caught early. From antibiotic drops to advanced corneal ulcer surgery, effective options are available to heal the infection and preserve your vision.

If you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of a corneal ulcer, don’t wait. Schedule an eye examination right away. At Maxivision Eye Hospitals, our experienced eye specialists can diagnose corneal ulcers quickly and recommend the best treatment plan to protect your eyes. Early treatment is the key to recovery and long-term eye health.