I have seen a number of patients over the years with infections of their cornea. The cornea is the clear window over the front of the eye. Unlike conjunctivitis, a corneal ulcer or keratitis can often cause permanent vision loss. This vision loss can sometimes be treated with a corneal transplant. Rarely, the keratitis can be bad enough that a patient can lose their eye completely. One of the most common causes of these corneal infections is actually contact lens wear.