Disease Course
Pain is almost always associated with the onset of Mooren's ulcer. One or both eyes may be involved at either the same time or one following the other. Approximately two thirds of cases affect one eye only. Mooren's ulcer is more common in men than women. The eye is usually red and the vision may or may not be reduced. Damage begins at the edge of the cornea (near the junction between the white part of the eye and the clear front portion, or cornea) and may progress to involve the central cornea. A serious complication of Mooren's ulcer is formation of a perforation or hole, in the cornea. If this occurs there is a risk of damage to the sensitive internal structures of the eye and development of a destructive infection inside the eye. In addition, if the center of the cornea is scarred or distorted, light may not be properly focused on the retina and vision will be reduced.