A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the cornea, the transparent area at the front of the eyeball. Corneal ulcers are most commonly due to infection, which may involve bacteria, viruses, fungi, or amoebas. Other causes are abrasions or foreign bodies, inadequate eyelid closure, severely dry eyes, severe allergic eye disease, and various inflammatory disorders. Risk factors are dry eyes, severe allergies, history of inflammatory disorders, contact lens wear, immunosuppression, trauma, and generalized infection.

The symptoms may include eye pain, impaired vision, eye redness, white patch on the cornea, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, eye burning, itching and discharge etc. Uncomplicated ulcers, although initially painful, heal in 3 to 4 days with appropriate treatment.

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