What's the difference between corneal abrasion vs ulcer?

Surface vs infection: Usually a corneal abrasion is just a scrape on the surface layer of the cornea. These tend to heal and are self limited depending on size. A corneal ulcer is secondary to inflammation or infection and causes thinning and destruction of the corneal tissue. An ulcer is more serious and potentially vision threatening.

Easy Answer: A corneal abrasion is a scratch of the superficial layer of cells of the cornea. These cells have numerous functions, one of which is to fight infection. The corneal tissue can become infected and become a corneal ulcer. Corneal ulcers are potentially blinding, .