A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the outer layer of the cornea. It is often caused by infection. At first, a corneal ulcer may seem like conjunctivitis, or pink eye.
Most corneal ulcers heal in two or three weeks.
- A corneal ulcer itself looks like a gray or white area or spot on the usually transparent cornea.
- Some corneal ulcers are too small to see without magnification, but you’ll feel the symptoms.
Treatment of Corneal Ulcer
Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops are usually needed immediately and must be given frequently, sometimes every hour around the clock for several days. Drops that dilate the eye, such as atropine or scopolamine, can help with pain and reduce the chance of complications.