A corneal ulcer is a wound on the surface of the eye. The damage will appear similar to a scrape or cut on your skin, as both problems result in an unprotected wound. The normal cornea is covered by a layer of tissue called the epithelium, sort of like “skin” over the deeper eye layers. When the epithelium is damaged, infections can occur that can ultimately result in complete perforation of the eye if left untreated.

Some common signs of corneal ulcers include: squinting, redness, cloudiness, and tearing.

There are many causes of corneal ulcers such as injuries, eyelashes that grow abnormally and irritate the cornea, lack of tear production, and infections. Of course there are occurrences where the underlying cause is unknown as well.