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In eye care, a recurrent ulcer often refers to a corneal ulcer that returns after a prior episode has healed. Recurrence can happen when the original trigger is still present, such as herpes simplex infection, eyelid disease, severe dry eye, or contact lens-related infection. Each episode can damage the corneal surface and raise the risk of scarring. Because a corneal ulcer is an emergency, repeat episodes need fast evaluation.
read more about recurrent ulcer ...Recurrent herpes simplex keratitis is a well-known cause and can lead to repeated epithelial ulcers on the cornea. Contact lens wear can also lead to recurrent infection or surface breakdown when hygiene, fit, or wear time is not safe. Chronic eyelid inflammation can keep bacteria and irritation near the corneal surface. Severe dry eye, exposure from incomplete eyelid closure, and immune problems can also drive recurrence.
Symptoms often include eye pain, light sensitivity, tearing, and a gritty foreign-body sensation. Redness can be intense, and vision can turn blurry when the ulcer disrupts the corneal surface. Discharge or eyelid swelling can appear when infection is present. Any severe pain, sudden vision drop, or a white spot on the cornea should be treated as urgent.
An eye doctor diagnoses a corneal ulcer with a slit lamp exam and fluorescein dye, which highlights the epithelial defect. The clinician checks size, depth, and location because central or deep ulcers carry higher scarring risk. Corneal sensation testing can help when herpes is suspected, since sensation can drop after repeated episodes. Cultures may be taken for severe or treatment-resistant ulcers to guide antibiotic choice.
Treatment targets the cause and often starts with prescription drops, such as antibiotics for bacterial ulcers or antivirals for herpes-related disease. Steroid drops are used only in selected situations under close specialist supervision. Supportive care can include lubrication, eyelid hygiene, and changes to contact lens wear while the surface heals. Prevention focuses on safer contact lens habits and control of the underlying trigger, such as dry eye or recurrent herpes.
Yes, a corneal ulcer is an eye emergency, even when it has happened before. Infection can worsen quickly and can lead to scarring, thinning, or perforation of the cornea. Early treatment improves the chance of healing without major vision loss. Severe pain or new vision change should be evaluated the same day by an eye professional.
Yes. Herpes simplex virus can reactivate and cause repeated episodes of corneal keratitis with epithelial ulcers. Triggers can include illness, stress, and strong ultraviolet exposure. Recurrent episodes can reduce corneal sensation and raise scarring risk over time. An eye specialist can confirm the pattern and discuss preventive antiviral medicine when flares are frequent.
Yes, contact lens wear can raise risk for corneal infection and surface breakdown, especially with overnight wear or poor hygiene. Even after an ulcer heals, the cornea can remain more vulnerable for a period of time. A clinician may recommend a break from lenses or a change in lens type and care routine. Do not restart lenses after an ulcer without clearance from an eye doctor.
Corneal Ulcer. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-ulcer. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Corneal Ulcer. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22524-corneal-ulcer. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/index.html. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Herpes Simplex Epithelial Keratitis. EyeWiki. https://eyewiki.org/Herpes_Simplex_Epithelial_Keratitis. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Corneal Ulcer. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470503/. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.