The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye vulnerable to disease. Patients usually seek medical interventions for various corneal disorders, severe conditions that cause significant damage that the eye cannot salvage. Fortunately, there are different preventative techniques that patients can maintain to avoid complications of Huntingdon Valley cornea.
What is the cornea?
The cornea is a vital part of the eye that traps dirt and germs, thus protecting the eye from damage. This part of the eye collaborates with the sclera, the white part of the eye, to guarantee optimal protection. The cornea also filters ultraviolet rays from directly hitting the eye and thus causing eye damage.
There cannot be vision without the cornea. The shape of the cornea allows for the refraction of light, a key component of sight. Patients with complicated corneal curvature have difficulty focusing on objects close up or far away. Protecting your eye from disease, infection, or injury is essential because these events cause scars and discoloration that hinder vision.
What are the symptoms and causes of corneal disease?
The cornea is delicate and thus susceptible to injury or disease. Luckily, the cornea can heal itself in the event of minor damage. However, some patients seek medical intervention, especially in the event of serious concern that interferes with the corneal healing process. The most common symptoms of cornea disease include:
- Pain
- Vision problems like blurredness
- Redness
- Uncontrolled tearing
- Scarring
- Sensitivity to light
What conditions can damage the cornea?
Physicians usually perform a diagnostic test to understand the underlying cause of concern and thus develop an appropriate treatment plan that will restore integrity to the cornea. The following are the most common conditions patients with cornea disease have:
- Keratitis
This condition occurs when bacteria enter the eye resulting in irritation and inflammation of the cornea. It is essential to seek emergency care to prevent the infection from spreading into other eye parts, especially if you have a severe injury.
- Ocular herpes
Patients with ocular herpes have scars on their cornea that are hindering vision. Ocular herpes is a recurring viral infection of the eye. Most physicians recommend antiviral drugs for the management of symptoms and vision restoration.
- Herpes zoster
This condition is commonly known as shingles. Herpes zoster is reoccurring chickenpox virus that causes blisters on the cornea. These lesions can make it difficult for patients to see clearly, thus necessitating their removal. Antiviral treatment is effective in healing the eye and eliminating lesions.
- Corneal dystrophies
Corneal dystrophies are structural abnormalities of the cornea that may hinder optimal performance and thus cause vision problems. The following are the most common corneal dystrophies patients have:
- Keratoconus
- Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy
- Fuch’s dystrophy
- Lattice dystrophy
It is essential to seek emergency care if you experience corneal disease symptoms to get an accurate diagnosis and thus start on a treatment plan that will restore your vision. Contact Suburban Eye Associates if you suspect corneal disease and receive emergency care to preserve the integrity of your eye.
