ANY surgical technique employed in the management of ulcerative keratitis should fulfil the following functions: protecting the corneal surface during the corneal healing period; preventing the progression of corneal ulceration to corneal perforation; retarding corneal stromal 'melting'; and aiding the repair of corneal perforation. The two most frequently performed techniques are third eyelid flaps and conjunctival pedicle grafts, the latter being the technique of choice in cases of deep and/or progressive corneal ulceration.