Corneal Diseases

Corneal ulcers
Ocular Herpes
Pterygium
Keratoconus

A corneal ulcer forms when the surface of the cornea is damaged or compromised. Ulcers may be sterile (no infecting organisms) or infectious. The symptoms associated with corneal ulcers include red eye, pain, tearing, discharge, white spot on the cornea, and light sensitivity. Treatment usually includes eye drops and ointments. Improper contact lens care or over-use can contribute to various corneal conditions. Proper contact lens maintenance and wearing contact lenses as directed can help avoid painful corneal problems.

Some other common corneal issues that we treat include ocular herpes or zoster which are viral infections of the eye. This causes pain, redness, and decreased vision. This is treated with antiviral drops and pills. If these conditions are not treated it can lead to scarring of the cornea and vision loss.

Pterygium is a raised, wedge-shaped growth of the cornea and conjunctiva. It is most common among those who live in tropical climates or spend a lot of time in the sun. Symptoms may include irritation, redness, and tearing. For some, the growth remains dormant; however, in other cases it grows over the central cornea and affect the vision. As the pterygium develops, it may alter the shape of the cornea, causing astigmatism. If the pterygium invades the central cornea it is removed surgically.

Keratoconus often appears in the teens or early twenties and is a progressive disease in which the normally round corena thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This causes distorted vision. Treatment includes contact lenses or surgery.

The preservation of your sight is our top priority.