What Are The Most Common Cornea Conditions?
The cornea is one of the most important structures of the eye. Located at the front of the eye, this transparent outer covering not only offers protection but also helps focus light.
A healthy cornea is vital for clear vision. When you have a condition that involves the cornea, it can affect your eye’s ability to produce clear images.
Keep reading to find out about some of the most common cornea conditions!
Fuch’s Corneal Dystrophy and Corneal Edema
Fuch’s dystrophy is a genetic disease caused by a build-up of fluid, called edema, in the cornea. As a result, the cornea swells. Blurry vision is often the first sign of this condition.
As it progresses, it can also cause other symptoms like light sensitivity, halo, glare, and a gritty sensation.
Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions. It occurs when the eye lacks moisture.
This eye condition typically occurs when the eye doesn’t produce enough tears or doesn’t produce quality tears. Many factors can lead to the development of dry eye, including aging, medication, and certain systemic conditions.
Corneal Ectasia
Ectasia is a group of conditions that involve a gradual weakening of the inner layers of the cornea, which can cause the shape of the cornea to change and protrude forward. It can also occur as a rare complication of a refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK.
This can happen when too much tissue is removed from the cornea during surgery, creating irregular astigmatism. Keratoconus is the most prevalent kind of ectasia.
Keratoconus most commonly occurs naturally, not as a result of eye surgery, and usually begins to develop between the ages of ten and twenty-five. Keratoconus can cause blurry vision, light sensitivity, and frequent prescription changes.
Corneal Scars
As the outermost layer of your eye, the cornea can be vulnerable to abrasions. While it can heal from minor ones, more significant injuries can result in a corneal scar.
Scars can also result from improper use of contact lenses, burns, and other eye conditions, like keratitis. The more significant a corneal scar is, the more it can affect your vision.
Corneal Infections
Your cornea can also become infected and develop certain common eye conditions like conjunctivitis or pink eye. Keratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea, may or may not also be associated with corneal infections.
Infections are caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi, sometimes after an injury to the eye. When the cornea becomes inflamed, it can be painful, cause discharge, and make your vision blurry.
Pterygium
Pterygium is a benign growth that forms on the white part of the eye. Although these growths are benign, they can grow to impair your vision.
Pterygium is also known as surfer’s eye, because people who spend a lot of time outside, particularly on the water, are more likely to develop it.
Ocular Surface Conditions and Cancers
Your eye can be affected by a range of ocular surface conditions. These conditions damage the surface of your eye.
Dry eye, blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction are examples of ocular surface diseases. Cancer can also affect the cornea.
Tumors that develop on the cornea are rare but can be serious.
Irregular Corneal Surfaces after Refractive Surgery
After a refractive surgery like LASIK, PRK, or RK, it is possible for the surface of the cornea to be irregular. When the surface is not regular, it can disrupt the eye’s ability to focus light.
The cornea may heal and correct itself over time, or this may require additional treatment.
Contact Lens Intolerance
For some people, wearing contacts can be uncomfortable and irritating. This may occur from the first time they try wearing contacts, or this issue can arise after years of being able to wear contacts without discomfort.
Some may be able to alleviate discomfort, or they may have to stop wearing contacts.
Regular eye exams are the key to keeping your corneas and all the other parts of your eye healthy.
Are you experiencing symptoms of a corneal condition? Schedule an appointment at Ginsberg Eye in Naples, FL, today!
