A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, most often caused by a bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection. It can also follow an injury, severe dry eye, or contact-lens overwear or poor hygiene. Because the cornea is central to vision, an untreated ulcer can scar it permanently or, in severe cases, threaten the eye itself.
Why it is urgent: the sooner an ulcer is identified and the exact organism treated, the better the chance of healing with minimal scarring. Contact-lens wearers are at particular risk and should never ignore a painful red eye.
A corneal ulcer can scar the cornea and threaten vision within days. Every hour of delay matters — especially for contact-lens wearers.
If your eye is painful, red and light-sensitive, remove any contact lenses and get examined the same day.
Call +91 81786 39701A corneal ulcer usually comes on quickly and does not settle on its own. If you notice any of these — particularly together — treat it as urgent.
A painful, red eye.
A white or grey spot on the cornea.
Marked sensitivity to light.
Watering or pus-like discharge.
Blurred vision and a feeling of something in the eye.
Same-day care: If you have these symptoms — especially as a contact-lens wearer — remove your lenses and call +91 81786 39701 the same day.
Treatment starts urgently and is tailored to the cause. The priority is to identify the exact organism and hit it hard while protecting the cornea.
A sample is taken to identify the exact organism — bacteria, fungus, virus or parasite — so treatment can be targeted rather than guessed.
Frequent, targeted antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral drops are started urgently to control the infection.
Inflammation is controlled and healing is tracked closely, with the treatment adjusted as the ulcer responds.
If an ulcer scars or perforates the cornea, a corneal transplant may be needed to restore the surface and protect the eye.
Outcomes depend on how early treatment starts, the organism involved, and the depth of the ulcer. Prompt treatment aims to heal the ulcer and limit scarring; it cannot guarantee a scar-free result. Individual results vary — consult with our doctors urgently.
Indicative ranges, subject to consultation and examination — the exact plan depends on whether treatment is medical or surgical.
| Treatment | Range |
|---|---|
| Corneal ulcer treatment (medical / surgical) | ₹10,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Corneal transplant (if scarring / perforation) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
Indicative starting-from ranges (from the centre’s Verified Clinical Data 2024–2025), subject to consultation and examination; insurance/scheme coverage varies by policy.
See the full cornea treatment cost breakdownCornea & Phaco surgeon skilled in corneal cross-linking (CXL), corneal transplantation (keratoplasty), pterygium surgery and dry-eye management — with expertise in managing ocular infection.
Full profile808 B, Galaxy Road, Sector 15 Part 2, Near 32nd Avenue, Gurgaon, Haryana 122001 (just off NH-48, beside 32nd Avenue; nearest metro IFFCO Chowk, Yellow Line).
Phone / WhatsApp: +91 81786 39701 · wecare@dayaleyecentre.in
Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM · Sunday closed (please confirm current timings).
Medically reviewed by Dr. Hem Shah, MBBS, DNB (Ophthalmology) — Cornea & Anterior Segment, Aravind Eye Hospital · Last reviewed: 29 July 2026 · Editorial Policy