What Is a Corneal Ulcer?
A corneal ulcer is a wound on the surface of the eye, most commonly from trauma, scratches, or a foreign body making contact with the cornea. Without prompt treatment, it can worsen quickly and risk permanent damage to vision.
Some ulcers develop without an obvious injury. Either way, the eye’s response to the damage, pain, discharge, and progressive tissue breakdown, makes early assessment essential.
Symptoms To Watch For
Eye Discharge
Watery or mucoid discharge from the affected eye, sometimes increasing as the ulcer progresses.
Squinting
Holding the eye partially or fully shut a direct response to pain and light sensitivity from the damaged cornea.
Redness
Visible inflammation around the eye, particularly in the white of the eye, as the body responds to the injury.
Pain
Pawing at the face, reluctance to be touched around the eye, or general withdrawal suggesting eye discomfort.
How It's Diagnosed
Diagnosis uses a fluorescein stain test a safe dye that highlights the ulcerated area under examination light, showing its size and depth. A full eye exam determines the severity and appropriate treatment path.
See Our Corneal Ulcer Treatment Service →Treatment & Management
Treatment depends on severity. Many corneal ulcers respond well to prompt medical management with appropriate eye drops and an Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma. Deeper or more complex ulcers may need more involved care. Do not attempt to treat at home.
See Corneal Ulcer Treatment Service →When To Seek Care
If your pet is squinting, has a watery or red eye, or is pawing at its face, book an urgent same-day assessment. Corneal ulcers can worsen within hours and delay increases the risk of permanent damage.
Why Pet Owners Choose ExoCare?
Specialized Expertise
Modern Equipment
Emergency Care
Compassionate Vet
Dr. Asma Fariha
Veterinary Surgeon · MVC Reg. No. 3362
Dr. Asma examines and stains the eye to establish how deep an ulcer runs before treating it.
What People Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Our main clinic is in Subang Jaya, Selangor. We also operate 7 additional locations across the Klang Valley: USJ, Puchong, Kelana Jaya, Bukit Kiara, Bandar Sunway, Taman Paramount, and Damansara Heights. All locations operate under the same team, standards, and expertise.
Yes, during clinic hours (Mon, Wed-Sun 11 AM-7 PM), we accept emergency cases. Call +60-3-5145 8989 immediately – we’ll triage and fit you in based on urgency.
We’re open Monday, Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. We are closed on Tuesdays for clinic maintenance. For emergency cases during our operating hours, please call +60-3-5145 8989 immediately.
You can book online at our booking page, by phone at +60-3-5145 8989, by email, or by walk-in (subject to availability). We recommend booking in advance.
We accept credit card (Visa, Mastercard), debit card, bank transfer, and cash. Payment plans are available for major procedures – ask our staff.
Yes. All our veterinarians are registered with the Malaysia Veterinary Council (MVC) and trained in avian and exotic animal medicine. Our lead veterinarian, Dr. Asma Fariha, holds MVC Registration #3362.
A fluorescein stain test during the eye exam the dye highlights the damaged area clearly. It’s safe, quick, and gives a definitive picture of the ulcer’s size and depth.
Often yes, preventing self-trauma while the ulcer heals is a key part of treatment. We’ll advise on what’s needed for your pet’s specific case.
Untreated, yes, deep or infected ulcers can scar or perforate the cornea. Prompt treatment significantly reduces the risk of lasting damage.
They can progress within hours if untreated, the cornea has limited ability to self-repair without medical support. Same-day assessment is the right call, not a wait-and-see approach.
Yes, some corneal ulcers develop without a clear traumatic cause. Any eye that looks painful or irritated warrants a proper assessment regardless.