Corneal Ulcer

A Corneal Ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, often tied to infectious keratitis (a corneal infection), trauma, or contact lens overuse, and it can threaten vision if treatment is delayed; Ships from Canada to US services can support continuity when local access is limited, but prescriptions and clinical follow-up still guide safe selection. This category focuses on medicines commonly used in clinic-led care, including topical antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, anti-inflammatory drops, and supportive lubricants, plus related options sometimes used when pain, swelling, or light sensitivity complicate recovery. Shoppers can compare brands, dosage forms, bottle sizes, and strengths, while keeping in mind that inventory and pack sizes can vary by supplier and time.
What’s in This Category (Corneal Ulcer)
This category brings together prescription and supportive ophthalmic products that clinicians may use when an ulcer forms on the corneal surface. The goal is usually to control infection, protect the cornea, and reduce discomfort while the surface heals. Some products target bacteria, others target fungi or viruses, and some support the tear film when the eye feels dry or gritty. Because ulcers can worsen quickly, these items are best viewed as tools used under professional direction.
Several product types appear here, and the right match depends on the suspected cause and exam findings. Corneal ulcer eye drops are often used for daytime dosing because they spread across the corneal surface quickly. Ointments may be chosen for longer contact time, especially at bedtime, but they can blur vision. Supportive options can help with irritation and dryness during recovery, including lubricating artificial tears when a clinician says they are appropriate alongside prescription therapy.
FormTypical role in carePractical considerationsSolution (drops)Antibiotic, antiviral, or anti-inflammatory dosingFrequent schedules are common early onOintmentAdded coverage, often nighttime useCan cause temporary blurred visionSuspensionSome antifungals and steroidsMay need shaking and careful handling
People often browse this section when they have a recent diagnosis, a history of contact lens complications, or recurrent eye infections. It can also support comparison shopping for refills after the acute stage has stabilized. If an order requires refrigeration, special handling, or has a limited beyond-use period after opening, the product page details matter. When stock changes, it can help to compare clinically similar alternatives with a prescriber.
How to Choose
Selection starts with the likely cause and the urgency of care, which an eye clinician confirms with an exam and sometimes a corneal culture. Many treatment plans begin with antimicrobial therapy and frequent dosing, then adjust once the organism is identified or the response becomes clear. In that context, corneal ulcer treatment often varies by whether the ulcer is bacterial, fungal, viral, or related to severe dry eye or trauma. People comparing items should focus on the active ingredient, form, and dosing instructions rather than the bottle label alone.
It also helps to understand what “prescription ophthalmic” means in practical terms. These medicines are formulated for the eye’s surface and are not interchangeable with ear or skin products. Storage matters, because heat, contamination, or an expired bottle can reduce effectiveness and raise risk. Many clinicians follow established corneal ulcer treatment guidelines that emphasize rapid assessment, close follow-up, and careful medication changes when inflammation is present.
When browsing, these criteria can keep comparisons straightforward and safer.

Form and contact time: drops for daytime use, ointments for longer coverage.
Likely organism: antibiotics for bacteria, antifungals for fungi, antivirals for herpes viruses.
Inflammation plan: some cases add anti-inflammatory drops only after infection control.
Comfort needs: lubricants may be used if the cornea is very dry.
Handling: check whether shaking, refrigeration, or single-use vials apply.

Common browsing mistakes can lead to delays or setbacks, even when the intent is careful. People sometimes stop drops early when pain improves, but the corneal surface can still be fragile. Others use leftover drops from a prior infection, which may not match the current organism or strength. It also helps to avoid contact lenses until a clinician confirms the surface is stable, because lenses can trap microbes and slow healing.
Popular Options
This section highlights representative prescription and supportive items that are commonly discussed in ulcer care pathways. Availability can vary, and the best fit depends on exam findings and a prescriber’s plan. Product pages can be used to compare concentration, bottle size, and whether a medication is a solution, suspension, or ointment.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are frequently used when bacterial infection is suspected, especially in contact lens wearers. One example is moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution, which may be dosed more often early in treatment. In some care plans, clinicians may also consider antibiotic eye drops for corneal ulcer alongside ointment coverage for overnight protection. For eyelid-margin bacteria or added nighttime coverage, erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is a common ointment form that may be used when blur at bedtime is acceptable.
When fungal infection is a concern, the medication class changes, and dosing schedules can be intensive. A typical antifungal option is natamycin ophthalmic suspension, which is used for certain fungal organisms based on clinician judgment. Viral disease can also mimic or overlap with ulceration, especially with herpes viruses, so treatment may include antivirals and careful monitoring. If an anti-inflammatory steroid is introduced, clinicians often weigh infection control first, and prednisolone acetate drops are an example of a steroid that is used only under close supervision in specific situations.
Related Conditions & Uses
Ulcers rarely happen in isolation, so browsing related topics can clarify why certain medicines appear in a plan. Corneal ulcer symptoms often overlap with other surface conditions, including pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Those same symptoms can also appear with inflammation or infection that sits next to, or precedes, an ulcer. Linking the diagnosis to related conditions can help people understand why follow-up visits and medication changes are common.
Keratitis is a broad term for corneal inflammation, and infectious keratitis can progress to ulceration when microbes invade the corneal surface. The Keratitis page can help distinguish inflammation patterns and common triggers. A scratch can also become an entry point for bacteria, which is why the Corneal Abrasion topic often appears in care discussions when there is trauma or foreign-body exposure.
Contact lenses deserve special attention because they can create microtrauma and change oxygen flow to the cornea. The contact lenses and corneal ulcers guide reviews hygiene, replacement schedules, and risk reduction after recovery. Some ulcers relate to viral reactivation, especially herpes simplex, and the Ocular Herpes resource can clarify why antivirals and careful steroid decisions matter. People comparing recovery expectations often track healing phases, but timelines differ based on size, depth, organism, and how quickly treatment began.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Authoritative Sources

American Academy of Ophthalmology overview of corneal ulcers
National Eye Institute facts on corneal diseases and care
CDC guidance on contact lens wear and infection prevention