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How Long Does a Corneal Ulcer Take to Heal?

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Written by the Mungale Eye Hospital team

Medically reviewed by Dr. Meeta Mungale, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), DNB · Fellowship in Cornea & Anterior Segment, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad · Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. G-39262 · Reviewed on 15 October 2026

Published 15 October 2026

Part of our guide: Corneal Ulcer & Keratitis: Symptoms & Treatment

Illustration: ophthalmologist examining a patient's eye at a slit lamp in a clean eye clinic.

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the clear front surface of the eye. Healing time varies, and close follow-up matters more than any fixed number of days.

What Influences Healing Time

  • Cause: bacteria, fungus, virus or injury
  • Size and depth of the ulcer
  • How early treatment begins
  • Whether eye drops are used exactly as prescribed
  • Contact lens use and eye hygiene
  • Conditions like diabetes or dry eye

    • What Treatment Involves

  • Frequent antimicrobial eye drops, often every hour at first
  • Pain relief and drops that ease inflammation, as advised
  • Regular checks, sometimes daily at the start
  • Admission or procedures in severe cases

    • Signs It Is Getting Better

  • Less pain and redness
  • Reducing discharge
  • Smaller ulcer on examination
  • Gradual clearing of vision

    • Warning Signs

  • Pain, redness or discharge that worsens
  • Sudden drop in vision
  • White spot on the cornea getting bigger
  • Light sensitivity increasing

    • Contact your doctor urgently if any of these happen.

    Scarring and Vision

    A scar may remain after healing. It can blur vision if it lies over the pupil. Options for this are discussed once the eye has settled.

    Key Takeaways

  • Healing time depends on cause and size.
  • Early treatment improves outcomes.
  • Use drops exactly as told.
  • Attend every follow-up.
  • Worsening symptoms need urgent review.

    • Final Thoughts

    Patience and strict follow-up protect your vision. For care of a corneal ulcer, you can consult Dr. Meeta Mungale at Mungale Eye Hospital in Vadodara.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Not safely. Infection can progress quickly, so medical treatment is needed.

    No. Avoid lenses until your doctor clears you.

    Frequent dosing keeps the medicine at effective levels in the early phase.

    Many people recover well, but deep ulcers can scar. Early treatment lowers the risk.

    Your doctor will advise based on healing. Avoid rubbing, swimming and dusty places until cleared.

    It can, especially if the cause is not addressed. Good lens hygiene and eye care help.

    Sources and further reading

  • AAO: What is a corneal ulcer (keratitis)?
  • AAO: Contact lens-related eye infections

    • Reviewed by

    Dr. Meeta Mungale writing at her desk

    Dr. Meeta Mungale

    MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), DNB · Fellowship in Cornea & Anterior Segment, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad

    Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. G-39262

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