A 25-year-old woman had a close call with her eye when she discovered that an itch caused by her contact lenses was actually an ulcer. Steph Carrasco, a recruitment consultant from Wales, underwent 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 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 condition and arranged for immediate treatment. Despite receiving 72 eye drops a day in an attempt to reduce the size of the ulcer, Carrasco ultimately required surgery. Most corneal ulcers heal within a few weeks with proper treatment, but in rare cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary. Carrasco’s vision has improved since the surgery, and she is expected to make a full recovery by October. She expressed gratitude for her optometrist and the medical team that helped her during this frightening experience. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper contact lens hygiene and regular eye check-ups.

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