A 25-year-old woman had a scary experience when what she thought was a simple itch caused by her contact lenses turned out to be a corneal ulcer. Steph Carrasco, a recruitment consultant from Wales, had to undergo emergency cornea transplant surgery to save her eye. Corneal ulcers are open sores on the layer of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. People who wear contact lenses are more susceptible to corneal ulcers if they don’t clean their lenses properly or leave them in for too long. Other risk factors include infections, severe dry eye, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms of corneal ulcers include redness, pain, swelling, and discharge. Carrasco’s optometrist quickly identified her condition and arranged for immediate treatment. After spending a week in the hospital and receiving 72 eye drops a day, Carrasco ultimately needed surgery. Fortunately, her vision has improved since the procedure, and doctors expect her to make a full recovery by October. Carrasco expressed her gratitude to her optometrist and the hospital staff for their timely intervention. It’s important for contact lens wearers to prioritize proper hygiene and seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms.

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