VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron and Dr. Michelle Skowron THE CAUSES OF CORNEAL ULCERS The cornea is the transparent top layer of the eye that protects the iris and pupil while allowing light inside. A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the outer layer of the cornea. At first, it may appear to be conjunctivitis (pinkeye) because it has similar symptoms such as painful, itchy, irritated eyes coupled with discharge. However, a corneal ulcer may also cause vision problems and can lead to scarring and long-term damage. Corneal ulcers often result from an infection but may also be caused by a corneal injury. Infections are usually the result of foreign objects in the eye, scratches or abrasions on the eye's surface, severe dry eyes, a severe allergic reaction, or an inflammatory eye disorder. Because a corneal ulcer can cause permanent vision loss, rupture your cornea and destroy the tissue in your eye socket, it's a medical emergency. If you have symptoms of a corneal ulcer, seek immediate care. Corneal ulcers can cause blindness if not promptly treated. To schedule an eye exam, please contact SKOWRON EYE CARE. Our showroom is stocked with the latest and greatest trends in budget and designer eyewear. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision. P.S. Wearing contact lenses incorrectly, including cleaning them improperly and forgetting to take them out at night, is another common and preventable cause of corneal ulcers. SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron and Dr. Michelle Skowron THE CAUSES OF CORNEAL ULCERS The cornea is the transparent top layer of the eye that protects the iris and pupil while allowing light inside . A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the outer layer of the cornea . At first , it may appear to be conjunctivitis ( pinkeye ) because it has similar symptoms such as painful , itchy , irritated eyes coupled with discharge . However , a corneal ulcer may also cause vision problems and can lead to scarring and long - term damage . Corneal ulcers often result from an infection but may also be caused by a corneal injury . Infections are usually the result of foreign objects in the eye , scratches or abrasions on the eye's surface , severe dry eyes , a severe allergic reaction , or an inflammatory eye disorder . Because a corneal ulcer can cause permanent vision loss , rupture your cornea and destroy the tissue in your eye socket , it's a medical emergency . If you have symptoms of a corneal ulcer , seek immediate care . Corneal ulcers can cause blindness if not promptly treated . To schedule an eye exam , please contact SKOWRON EYE CARE . Our showroom is stocked with the latest and greatest trends in budget and designer eyewear . At Skowron Eye Care , our mission is your vision . P.S. Wearing contact lenses incorrectly , including cleaning them improperly and forgetting to take them out at night , is another common and preventable cause of corneal ulcers . SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York , Elmhurst , IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com