Cornea & External Diseases
The cornea is the transparent, outermost layer of the eye that functions as the clear window you see through.
It allows light into the eye while protecting it from dirt, germs, and other foreign bodies. A wide range of conditions can affect the cornea and other external structures of the eye, such as tear ducts and eyelids.
Symptoms of Corneal & External Diseases
Since various conditions can affect the cornea, symptoms can differ widely from person to person.
Some of the most common symptoms of corneal and external eye diseases include:
- Watery discharge
- Itchy or irritated eyes
- Dryness or a gritty sensation
- Growths on the inner or outer eyelid
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness or bloodshot appearance
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Bulging of the eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Changes in visual clarity
Common Corneal Conditions
Several common eye conditions can affect the cornea, including:
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Conjunctivitis causes inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids and the white of the eye. It can lead to redness, burning, swelling, and discharge. This highly contagious condition affects millions of people at any given time.
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tear film is unstable. Without adequate moisture, chronic dry eye can cause damage and discomfort over time.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, distorting the way light enters the eye. This irregular shape can lead to blurry or distorted vision.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a chronic condition that results in inflammation of the eyelids. It can cause burning, irritation, sensitivity to light, and sometimes blurred vision.
Corneal Dystrophies
Corneal dystrophies are inherited conditions characterized by abnormal material buildup in the cornea, leading to a loss of clarity. These disorders often affect both eyes and progress gradually, sometimes causing significant vision problems.
Corneal Abrasions
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the eye caused by foreign objects such as dust, debris, or contact lenses. If untreated, abrasions can become infected and lead to corneal ulcers.
Corneal Ulcers
Also known as keratitis, a corneal ulcer is a painful open sore on the cornea that may result from trauma or infection—bacterial, viral, or fungal. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent vision loss.
Treatment Options for Corneal & External Diseases
Many corneal conditions can be effectively treated with prescription medications such as pills or eye drops. However, advanced or more severe cases may require surgical intervention, including:
- Laser therapy: Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) can be used to reshape the cornea or remove scar tissue using precise laser treatment.
- Corneal transplant: Also known as keratoplasty, this surgery replaces a damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. Common techniques include PK, DSAEK, and DMEK.
- Artificial cornea: In cases where traditional transplant is not viable, a keratoprosthesis (KPro) may be used to replace the cornea with an artificial implant.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or need care for any corneal or external eye disease, schedule an evaluation with the ophthalmology team at The Kalt-Goldberg Eye Center today.
