The cornea is an important part of the eye and integral to our vision. Like any other body part, it is susceptible to disease. Find out what diseases can affect the cornea and how to treat them.
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye. It helps to protect the eye from dirt and germs, and is important in our ability to see, as it is what that bends the light that enters the eye. Corneal transplants give vision to blind persons.
Although the cornea is usually able to quickly heal itself, more severe injuries or diseases require a visit to an ophthalmologist. The most common corneal diseases are listed below, with causes and treatments.
Keratitis is an inflammation, or swelling, that can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Symptoms of keratitis are pain, impaired vision and discharge; it can be treated with either antifungal or antibiotic eye drops.
Ocular herpes is a viral infection, caused by the herpes simplex virus I, which is the same virus that causes cold sores. Herpes simplex II, which causes genital herpes, can also cause ocular herpes. This disease causes sores on the cornea, and can spread deeper into the eye. It can be controlled with antiviral drugs, but it cannot be cured.
Herpes Zoster, or shingles, can cause blisters or lesions to form on the cornea, which may heal by themselves. Antiviral medication can reduce the inflammation caused by this disease. Shingles is a return of the chickenpox virus in people who have had the disease, and it may affect other areas of the body.
Corneal dystrophies are diseases that affect the structure of the cornea. There are more than 20 dystrophies, the most common being the following:
Keratoconus is a disease where the cornea thins or changes shape; it is progressive, and can occur in adolescence. As the cornea changes shape, it causes astigmatism and nearsightedness. It may also cause swelling and scarring, and lead to loss of vision.
Keratoconus can be caused by genetics, trauma to the eye, another eye disease such as retinitis pigmentosa, or a disease such as Down Syndrome or Addison’s disease. Treatment for keratoconus includes glasses or contact lenses, or in the most severe cases, transplantation.
Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy is an abnormal appearance of the membrane of the epithelium of the cornea. The membrane is uneven-thick in some places, thin in others-and takes on the appearance of maps, dots, or fingerprints on the eye.
Usually painless, Map-Dot-Fingerprint does not always affect vision, although it may lead to corneal erosion, which must be treated.
Fuch’s Dystrophy is a slow deterioration of the endothelial cells, which are, basically, the third layer of cells in the eye. As the cells deteriorate, vision is affected.
The first signs of this disease, which occurs more often in women than men, is blurred morning vision which improves during the course of the day. Treatments include ointments, contact lenses, and ultimately, transplant.
Lattice Dystrophy occurs when protein fibers are present in the stroma, or second layer, of the eye. It can cause the cornea to cloud over, reducing vision. Lattice Dystrophy may also cause corneal erosion. Treatment for this condition includes eye drops, ointments, patching, and transplantation in the most severe cases.
If you notice a change in your vision, or experience any pain, tearing, or sensitivity to light, see a doctor or ophthalmologist. As with any other disease or injury, early diagnosis and treatment are best.
Sources:
RxList www.rxlist.com/corneal_disease/article.htm
