Dr. Orwa Nasser MD MPH - Corneal Diseases

Corneal Diseases

Corneal disease is a broad term that refers to any condition that affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Because the cornea plays a major role in both vision quality and eye protection, diseases affecting it can range from mild irritation to severe, vision-threatening conditions. Corneal disease may affect one or both eyes, may develop suddenly or gradually, and can be temporary or long-lasting depending on the underlying cause.

Symptoms:

·    Eye pain or discomfort.

·    Redness.

·    Blurred or distorted vision.

·    Light sensitivity (photophobia).

·    Excess tearing or watery eyes.

·    Foreign-body sensation.

·    Burning or stinging.

Causes:

·    Infection: The cornea may be infected by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

·    Injury or trauma: Scratches, chemical exposure, heat, or ultraviolet radiation can damage the cornea.

·    Dry eye and surface disorders: An unstable tear film weakens the corneal surface and increases susceptibility to disease.

·    Inherited conditions: Inherited corneal dystrophies include keratoconus and Fuchs’ dystrophy.

·    Improper contact lens use: Extended wear or poor hygiene increases corneal disease risk.

Diagnosis and Tests: Diagnosis involves slit-lamp examination, corneal staining, imaging, and specialized testing when infection is suspected.

Management and Treatment:

·    Medications: Prescription eye drops, ointments, or oral medications may be required.

·    Supportive and protective therapies: Bandage contact lenses, scleral lenses, or amniotic membrane grafts may be used.

·    Laser procedures: Vision correction surgeries such as LASIK/PRK may be appropriate in selected cases.

·    Surgical treatment: Advanced disease may require Eye surgeries or Cornea transplant.

Prognosis: The prognosis depends on the diagnosis, severity, and how early treatment begins.

Prevention: Preventive strategies include proper contact lens hygiene, eye protection, and regular eye exams.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? Seek care for persistent pain, redness, or vision changes.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room? Emergency care is needed for sudden vision loss, severe pain, or chemical exposure.

What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider?

·    What type of corneal disease do I have?

·    What caused it?

·    What treatments are available?

·    How long will recovery take?

Key Takeaways:

·    Corneal disease affects the clear front surface of the eye.

·    Symptoms often include pain, redness, and blurred vision.

·    Early diagnosis improves outcomes.

·    Many conditions are treatable.