08/27/2026
👁️ A tiny spot can mean a big problem!
Corneal ulcers are painful injuries to the clear outer surface of the eye. Pets can develop them from something as simple as rubbing their eye, playing with another pet, getting scratched by a plant or object, or having a foreign body in the eye. Dry eye, eyelid abnormalities, infections, and certain underlying diseases can also make pets more susceptible.
So how do we find an ulcer? 🔎
In Sharo’s second photo, you can see an eye stain called fluorescein being used. A small amount of the dye is applied to the surface of the eye and gently flushed or distributed across the cornea. Healthy, intact cornea does not retain the dye, but areas where the protective surface layer has been damaged will absorb it and fluoresce a bright green under a special blue light.
Take a close look at Sharo’s eye: that tiny, pinpoint circular area of green uptake right in the center is the corneal ulcer. Even though it is small, corneal ulcers can be extremely painful and can become significantly more serious if they deepen or become infected.
How are corneal ulcers treated? 💊
Treatment depends on the depth and severity of the ulcer, but may include:
• Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent or treat infection
• Pain control and medications to relieve painful inflammation or eye spasms
• An E-collar to prevent rubbing and further injury
• Treatment of the underlying cause, such as dry eye or an eyelid abnormality
• More advanced treatment or surgery for deep, infected, or non-healing ulcers
Many uncomplicated superficial ulcers heal within several days, but recheck examinations and repeat eye staining are important to make sure the ulcer is actually healed. Deep or rapidly worsening ulcers can threaten vision and even the integrity of the eye.
If your pet is squinting, holding an eye closed, pawing at the face, excessively tearing, or has a red or cloudy eye, don't wait it out. Eye problems can progress quickly, and a simple fluorescein stain can help us determine what's going on. 👁️💚
