- +44 20 8445 8877
Advanced eye treatments at My-iClinic
Diagnosis, treatment & management of corneal ulcers
Trusted and highly recommended locally.
Honest advice with no obligation to proceed.
The safest laser treatments available.
Interest-free monthly payments.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore that forms on the clear front surface of the eye, the cornea. It’s most often caused by infection, though injury, contact lens misuse, or severe dry eye can also lead to ulceration. When bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade a damaged area of the cornea, the tissue breaks down and inflammation develops rapidly.
This can cause redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and a sharp, foreign-body sensation. Without prompt treatment, a corneal ulcer can leave permanent scarring and affect vision clarity.
Diagnosing a corneal ulcer involves a thorough slit-lamp examination and specialised corneal staining to highlight any epithelial defects or infiltrates. Your ophthalmologist may also take a small sample for laboratory culture to determine whether the cause is bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic which ensures the most effective treatment is used.
Treatment begins immediately to prevent the ulcer from deepening or spreading. Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops are prescribed based on the underlying cause, sometimes as frequently as every hour in the early stages. Severe cases may require steroid drops (once the infection is controlled) to reduce inflammation and protect against scarring. Pain relief, lubricating drops, and protective eye shields are also used to promote healing.
In advanced or non-healing ulcers, a corneal transplant may be recommended to restore transparency and protect vision.
Your trusted clinic for corneal ulcer eye treatment in North London.
A private consultation with our ophthalmologist is £250. This excludes any scans required.
This includes:
Corneal ulcers can progress quickly, so recognising the early signs is vital. Symptoms often start with irritation or blurred vision but can escalate within hours. If you notice any of the following, seek urgent ophthalmic care:
A sudden onset of eye pain, redness, or a gritty, burning sensation can be an early warning of a corneal ulcer. These symptoms may indicate infection or inflammation that requires prompt treatment to prevent scarring and vision loss. The table below outlines the urgency of different scenarios, their likely causes, and the safest next steps, including when to arrange a same-day consultation and when to seek emergency medical attention.
Use this quick reference to understand possible causes, urgency, and the right next step for corneal pain, redness, or vision loss.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore or erosion on the cornea, often caused by an infection, injury, or prolonged contact lens wear. It’s a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent vision loss.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore or erosion on the cornea, often caused by an infection, injury, or prolonged contact lens wear. It’s a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent vision loss.
They can develop from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections; particularly in contact lens users or after trauma, chemical exposure, or a scratch that becomes infected. In some cases, autoimmune disorders can also contribute.
Typical signs include redness, severe pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurry or cloudy vision. Some people may notice a visible white or grey spot on the cornea or difficulty keeping the eye open.
Treatment depends on the cause. Most patients are prescribed strong antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops. Severe cases may require hospital-based therapy or a protective contact lens to aid healing.
Mild ulcers can heal within one to two weeks with early treatment, while deeper or infected ulcers may take longer. Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor healing and prevent scarring that could affect vision.
Yes. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or contact lenses, replace lenses as recommended, and avoid sleeping in them. Wearing protective eyewear during sports or manual work also helps prevent injuries that could lead to infection.
Fill in your details, and start your journey towards clearer vision!
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Consultant and Surgeon
