Can I go swimming if I have a corneal ulcer?

No. A corneal ulcer is an open wound on the surface of your eye that is infected with bacteria that can cause permanent scarring and vision loss. In an open wound, the outside protective barrier is broken and even bacteria that are 'normal' outside the body can do serious damage if it has access to the cornea. Chlorinated water can have one of the most harmful organisms to the eye called Acanthamoeba. Antibiotic drops are not effective against this organism. Do NOT go swimming with a corneal ulcer until cleared by your ophthalmologist.