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 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 a white spot on the cornea. 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. Fortunately, her vision has improved since the surgery, and doctors expect her 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.

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