What is a corneal ulcer ? A corneal ulcer is a wound-like sore on your cornea, the clear, dome-shaped tissue layer at the front of your eye. Corneal ulcers can happen for several reasons, but they usually happen because of infections. A corneal ulcer is an open sore or defect in the cornea, the clear part of the eye, that can cause vision loss. Learn about the common causes, such as infections, injuries, and contact lenses, and how to diagnose and treat corneal ulcers. Corneal Ulcer A corneal ulcer occurs when the eye's cornea becomes infected, leading to a sore on the cornea . 21 When this happens, nearby blood vessels become enlarged and swollen. As cells rush in to help fight the infection, it can cause visible redness. Defined as a defect in the corneal epithelium with underlying inflammation, a corneal ulcer , or keratitis, can have a profound impact on vision if not swiftly and adequately addressed. While corneal ulcers may arise from various etiologies, the majority are infectious in origin.
