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 54 – USD 1,632 0-2 days ~ 2 weeks to several months Know More
Turkey USD 403 – USD 12,079 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.

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to a couple of...

I'd been to a couple of doctors for this nagging stomach pain and fatigue, and everyone just said it was stress. Dr. Karunakaran actually listened. He asked a lot of questions I hadn't been asked before and ordered some specific tests. Turns out it was a tricky gallbladder issue that wasn't showing up on the standard scans. He explained it in a way that finally made sense. I had the surgery at MGM last month and feel like myself again.

Ophthalmologists for Corneal Ulcer

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

Dr. Raviraj Shravan Gaydhankar
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anindya Anuradha
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mridula Pentapati
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashwini P
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Indranil Bhattacharya
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kaushik Dhume
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Richa
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated