Really sore eye, blabla, ended up at my usual place via the GP, I apparently have a corneal ulcer.

Now, she reckons it’s because I have dry eyes and this means I can’t wear extended wear lenses any more. I’ve been wearing them for at least 10 years, so I’m not sure what’s changed now. The thing is, I really really really want to be able to leave the lenses in at least some of the time. I can’t stand glasses, and they make it extremely difficult to ride the way I want to, but worst of all if I want to do a bikepacking trip or 24 hour race or even just normal camping, having to fart about with contact lenses is going to really make it next to impossible.

So, does one ulcer mean I’m off the lenses forever? She said my eyes are very dry, but I have had lingering cold and illness for 10 odd days, I don’t think they are normally particularly dry.

I had a corneal ulcer when I fell asleep in my daily disposable once. It was awful really sensitive to light. Went to eye A&E and they gave me steroids to take every hour for a 24 hour period which fixed and said don’t sleep in dailies. Been fine ever since.

I can’t see any being on STW

I’ve got some anti biotics and two kinds of lubricant for my eyes, day and night.

The stuff drains into my nose though so tastes bloody horrible when I sniff.

Corneal ulcer can be mild, or can be very serious (lose sight all together) If they’re advising not to wear extended wear lenses they are saying it for a reason, listen to your optician. (Wife is an optician and we have owned our own practice far a number of years)

Well of course they are saying it for a reason, I wanted a bit more background that’s all. I don’t really want to give up my dreams, you know..!

tbh mol it cant be answered on a forum as every case is different, some people will be able to wear same or different lenses again, some people will never be able to wear lenses again, sorry I cant be more help

Well it’s good that you say that, I was hoping it wasn’t a black and white case of one ulcer means I’m screwed.

My daughter is an Optometrist and mentioned it to her, with the information given this is her advice

She said no lenses until the ulcer clears up and then not extended ones

Good quality contacts should then be ok for short times depending how dry the eyes are and how well the ulcer clears up

Go and see an optometrist to get specialist advice as every case is different