Learn about Corneal Ulcer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Corneal Ulcer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is a serious, open sore on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It is typically caused by an infection from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and requires immediate ophthalmological care to prevent vision loss or even loss of the eye. Treatment by an ophthalmologist is not a single procedure but a comprehensive management plan. This involves a detailed eye examination, often including a fluorescein stain to visualize the ulcer, and obtaining cultures to identify the causative organism. Treatment is then aggressively tailored with intensive, frequent application of topical antimicrobial eye drops (antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal). In severe cases, surgical interventions like a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) may be necessary to remove infected tissue and restore vision. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for a successful outcome.

Key Highlights

    Prevents permanent vision loss and potential loss of the eye.Tailored treatment targets the specific cause (bacterial, viral, fungal).Can halt the progression of the ulcer and promote healing of the cornea.Modern diagnostic tools allow for precise identification of the infectious agent.May prevent the need for more invasive surgery if treated early and effectively.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Severe eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
  • A visible white or gray spot on the normally clear cornea.
  • Blurred or decreased vision.
  • Excessive tearing or discharge from the eye.
  • History of recent eye injury, contact lens wear (especially overnight), or pre-existing eye disease like dry eye or herpes simplex.
  • A feeling that something is in the eye (foreign body sensation).

How to prepare

  • Immediate cessation of contact lens wear.
  • Avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye.
  • The ophthalmologist will take a detailed medical and ocular history.
  • Diagnostic tests: Slit-lamp examination with fluorescein dye to assess the ulcer's size and depth.
  • Corneal scraping or culture may be performed to collect a sample for laboratory analysis to identify the infectious organism.
  • No specific fasting or medication changes are typically required before the diagnostic exam.

Risks & possible complications

  • Corneal scarring, leading to permanent vision impairment.
  • Perforation (a hole) of the cornea, which is a medical emergency.
  • Spread of infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis).
  • Development of a cataract or glaucoma.
  • Need for surgical intervention, such as a corneal transplant.
  • Recurrence of the ulcer, especially with viral causes.
  • Loss of the eye in the most severe, untreated cases.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Strict adherence to the prescribed schedule of medicated eye drops, which may be required every hour initially.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments for close monitoring of healing.
  • Wear an eye patch or protective shield as advised, especially at night.
  • Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and getting non-sterile water in the eye.
  • Do not wear contact lenses until explicitly cleared by the ophthalmologist.
  • Use prescribed lubricating eye drops to aid comfort and healing.
  • Protect eyes from bright light with sunglasses.
  • Report any increase in pain, redness, or vision loss immediately.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2 weeks to several months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering corneal ulcer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for corneal ulcer compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 55 – USD 1,652 0-2 days ~ 2 weeks to several months Know More
Turkey USD 410 – USD 12,293 0-2 days ~ 2 weeks to several months Know More

Top hospitals for Corneal Ulcer in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing corneal ulcer.

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89+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Rahul Reddy, a 55-year-old farmer from...

Rahul Reddy, a 55-year-old farmer from a rural area, got a small piece of grain husk in his eye while harvesting. He rinsed it with well water and thought nothing of it. Days later, his eye became painfully red, weepy, and his vision clouded. He delayed seeking help, using home remedies, until the pain was unbearable. The ophthalmologist found a large, infected fungal corneal ulcer, a risk with organic injuries. The doctor explained the seriousness and admitted Rahul for intensive antifungal eye drops and oral medication. Rahul was anxious about hospital costs and being away from his farm. The hospital stay was stressful, but the nursing staff was supportive. After two weeks, the infection cleared, but a significant scar remained, causing permanent blurry vision in that eye. Emotionally, he journeyed from stoic denial to fear, then to acceptance. While grieving the permanent vision change, he felt grateful he didn't lose the eye and became an advocate in his village for seeking prompt medical care for eye injuries.

Ophthalmologists for Corneal Ulcer

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform corneal ulcer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. M Gurudutt Kamath
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. ML Sujatha
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ritu Gadia
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vishal Arora
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kailash Chhabria
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajesh Nayak
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nikhila Sathe
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sandhya Nayak
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudipta Mitra
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tripti Kolhatkar
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dukhabandu Panigrahy
  • Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gladys Reshma Rodrigues
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Roshmi Gupta
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vanuli Bajpai
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Udbuddha Dutta
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amandeep Garg
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rashmi Shirwant
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanti V Iyengar
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajanta Chakravarty
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pravin Kumar Singh
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated