Corneal Problems

What are corneal problems?

 The cornea is the clear dome shaped outer surface which covers the front of the eye, it plays an important role in focusing your vision. It contains no blood vessels so receives nourishment from tears and the aqueous humor (the fluid behind the cornea).

Your cornea acts as a barrier helping protect your eye against germs and dirt that can harm the eye. The cornea also works with the lens to focus light coming into the eye onto the retina and serves as a filter screening out damaging UV light from the sun.

Common problems with the cornea include:

• Scarring - from deep injuries, this can result in a haze on the cornea which impairs your vision;
• Keratoconus – a progressive thinning of the cornea. Most common in young people from their teens to mid 30s in age, the curves of the cornea become distorted, gradually taking on a conical shape affecting the cornea’s ability to focus light. The vision becomes blurred and distorted.
• Infection – sores on the eyelid or surface of the cornea may develop with infection. Overtime the inflammation may spread deeper into the cornea and eye.

What causes it?

Scarring can be formed as the result of deep injury to the eye, or a corneal disease or disorder.

The causes of keratoconus is unknown. It is however more common in people who suffer with allergies such as hay fever, asthma and eczema and in people with very flexible joints.

Infections cause inflammation of the cornea and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Infection can also be related to contact lens wear – poor cleaning or overuse of contact lenses that should be discarded.

What you may experience:

• Poor vision
• Discomfort
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness or inflammation of the eye

Who will I see for treatment?

Corneal problems can be assessed and treated by our Corneal & External Eye Disease Specialists: Mr Ghosh.