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 layer of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. Wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of developing corneal ulcers if they are not properly cleaned or worn 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 a white spot on the cornea. Carrasco’s optometrist quickly identified her ulcer and arranged for immediate treatment. She spent a week in the hospital receiving intensive eye drops, but ultimately needed surgery. Most corneal ulcers heal within a few weeks with proper treatment, but in rare cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary. Carrasco is grateful for the medical team who helped her and is expected to make a full recovery by October. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper contact lens hygiene and regular eye check-ups.