Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for eye pain caused by a corneal ulcer. This is a very small sore on the cornea, which is the clear part of the eye. A corneal ulcer can be caused by an eye infection or a scratch on the cornea.
Most corneal ulcers heal with treatment in 1 to 2 weeks.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment with an eye doctor to have your eye checked within 24 hours.
●Use the eye drops or ointments the doctor gave you as instructed.
●Do not press on or rub your eye.
●If you wear contacts, you might have to stop wearing them for a while. If so, your eye doctor will tell you when you can start wearing them again. Once you do, use a new pair of contacts and a new contact case.
●Always wash your hands before and after you touch your eyes.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if you:
•Still have eye pain after 1 to 2 days, or start to have more pain
•Have a change in your eyesight
•Cannot look at bright lights
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you have:
●Signs of an eye infection, like swelling, redness, warmth, pain, or drainage from the eye
●New or worsening symptoms
