Cornea
The cornea is a complex eye structure requiring specialized care and expertise. At Kresloff Eye Associates, our eye doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of corneal conditions and are dedicated to ensuring that your eyes are comfortable, and your vision is healthy.
What is the Cornea?
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It plays an important role in focusing light onto the retina so that you can see.
Any abnormalities or damage to the cornea can cause vision problems. Some types of corneal conditions can even cause significant discomfort.
With many types of cornea conditions, swift diagnosis and treatment are paramount to ensuring there is no lasting damage.
What Are Some of the Most Common Corneal Conditions?
There are many eye conditions that can affect the cornea. At Kresloff Eye Associates in South Jersey, New Jersey, our eye doctors are dedicated to ensuring that your corneas are healthy.
Here are some of the most common corneal conditions:
Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the cornea, often caused by something getting into the eye, such as a foreign object or contact lens. Corneal abrasions are very common and can range from minor to severe.
Having a foreign body in the eye, like pieces of dust, dirt, wood, or metal, can be very uncomfortable. Sometimes, even if that foreign body is removed, a cornea abrasion can cause the sensation that makes you think you may still have a foreign body in the eye.
Your eye doctor at Kresloff Eye Associates will be able to diagnose you with a corneal abrasion and provide you with a treatment to improve your symptoms and help heal the abrasion.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus causes the cornea to become thin and bulge outward into a cone shape, which can lead to blurred vision, double vision, and sensitivity to light. While the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, genetics, eye rubbing, and certain medical conditions may increase the risk of developing the condition.
Treatment options for keratoconus include specialized contact lenses, corneal collagen cross-linking, and in severe cases, corneal transplant surgery.
Corneal Dystrophy
Corneal dystrophy refers to a group of genetic eye disorders that affect the cornea. This condition leads to the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the cornea, causing it to become cloudy and affecting your vision.
Symptoms of corneal dystrophy can include blurred or hazy vision, sensitivity to light, and discomfort or pain in the eye. Treatment options for corneal dystrophy depend on the type and severity of the condition, and may include eye drops, contact lenses, or surgery.
Your eye doctor at Kresloff Eye Associates can help to assess, diagnose and treat corneal dystrophy.
Corneal Ulcer
Corneal ulcers are open sores that develop on the surface of the cornea. These are different from corneal abrasions but can be caused by corneal abrasions if left untreated.
This is because corneal abrasions can create an entry point for bacteria, viruses, or fungi to infect the cornea, leading to the development of an ulcer. Therefore, it is important to seek prompt medical attention for corneal abrasions to prevent the development of corneal ulcers and other complications.
The symptoms of corneal ulcers can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but they often include eye pain and discomfort, redness, swelling of the eye, and blurred or hazy vision, among many others. The treatment of corneal ulcers typically involves the use of antibiotic or antifungal eye drops to combat infection, as well as pain medication to manage discomfort.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or transplant a new cornea.
Fuchs’ Dystrophy
Fuchs’s dystrophy is characterized by progressive degeneration of the corneal endothelium, which is the innermost layer of the cornea. This corneal condition can cause swelling, cloudy vision, and, eventually, vision loss.
Fuchs’ dystrophy is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. Fuchs’ Dystrophy occurs when there is a gradual deterioration of the cells that make up the inner layer of the cornea, leading to corneal swelling, clouding, and vision loss.
Fuchs’ dystrophy is typically a slow-progressing condition that can take several years or even decades to cause significant vision problems. Treatment for Fuchs’ dystrophy may involve the use of eye drops, ointments, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced by the patient.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is another very common eye condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. It can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as a burning or gritty sensation in the eyes, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing dry eye syndrome, including aging, hormonal changes, medications, and environmental factors like air conditioning or dry climates. Treatment options for dry eye syndrome may include over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgery to block tear drainage or to help conserve tears.
At Kresloff Eye Associates, our eye doctors specialize in dry eye treatment and can develop a treatment plan to help you reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
Corneal Infections
Corneal infections, also known as keratitis, are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that invade the cornea. Common symptoms of corneal infections include redness, pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and discharge from the eye.
Corneal infections can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, avoiding wearing contact lenses for extended periods, and treating eye injuries immediately. Treatment for corneal infections typically involves prescription eye drops or ointments and, in severe cases, may require surgery to prevent vision loss.
Are you experiencing blurry vision or other symptoms of a cornea condition? Schedule an appointment at Kresloff Eye Associates in Collingswood, NJ, today!