Corneal Disease

About the Cornea

Corneal Disease Treatment in MurrietaThe cornea is the eye’s outermost layer. It is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye and it helps direct light rays towards the lens for focusing. Unlike most tissues in the body, the cornea contains no blood vessels to nourish or protect it against infection. The cornea must remain transparent to see well, and the presence of even the tiniest abnormal blood vessels can affect vision.

Due to the cornea’s anatomical position, it is prone to many types of injuries from superficial scrapes to embedded foreign bodies. Without proper eye protection and safety, the cornea may be the victim of various types of eye injuries. Many minor scrapes or scratches may be treated with topical antibiotic drops or ointment. Sometimes, placing a pressure patch or bandage contact lens over an injured cornea is required for proper healing.

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.

A 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.

Other Corneal Diseases

  • Corneal ulcers
  • Ocular Herpes
  • Pterygium
  • Fuchs’ Dystrophy