A 25-year-old woman had a scary experience when she discovered that her itchy eye was actually a corneal ulcer caused by her contact lenses. 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 cornea, the layer that covers the iris and pupil. Wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of developing corneal ulcers if they are not properly cleaned or left in for too long. Other factors that can contribute to corneal ulcers 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 ulcer and arranged for immediate treatment. Despite receiving 72 eye drops a day, Carrasco ultimately needed surgery. Most corneal ulcers heal within a few weeks with proper treatment, but in rare cases like Carrasco’s, a corneal transplant is necessary. Thankfully, Carrasco’s vision has improved after the surgery, and she is expected to make a full recovery by October. It serves as a reminder of the importance of proper contact lens hygiene and regular eye check-ups.