Corneal Diseases

The cornea is the clear, protective layer that covers the front of the eye. The cornea blocks out some of the sun’s ultraviolet light as well as germs, dirt, and other particles that can harm the delicate parts inside the eye. The cornea also plays a major role in our ability to see clearly. Changes in the transparency or shape of the cornea can cause distorted vision or vision loss. The cornea can be damaged by inflammation, allergies, infections, injuries, disorders, and diseases.

Depending on your condition and your specific needs, we specialize in tailoring treatments to maintain the health of your cornea. We offer the most advanced treatments, technology, and medications to address a wide spectrum of corneal diseases and disorders.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis results in eyelids that are red, inflamed, and irritated. This condition may also cause dandruff-like buildup on the eyelids and along the eyelashes. Blepharitis is not contagious and usually does not present a threat to eyesight, but it can be unsightly and uncomfortable. There is no cure for this chronic condition, but it can be effectively managed with the help of your eye doctor.
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Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, can be caused by a number of factors. This condition causes the whites of the eyes to appear red or pink, and often results in itching, burning, swelling, watering, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Some forms of pink eye are highly contagious, so it is important to seek prompt treatment if you believe you may have conjunctivitis.
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Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or nick on the surface of the cornea, often caused by minor trauma like rubbing the eye, scratching with a fingernail, or sand or dirt becoming trapped under the eyelid. Corneal abrasions can be very painful and in some cases may lead to scarring, infection, or vision loss.
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Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer, or keratitis, is an open wound on the cornea. Often caused by infection, injury, scratches, or improper contact lens care, corneal ulcers are very painful. Symptoms may also include redness, the feeling that there is something in the eye, sensitivity to light, and swollen eyelids. A corneal ulcer may become a threat to vision, and requires prompt treatment by an ophthalmologist.
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Dry Eye

Dry eye is an uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people in the United States, and in some cases can lead to eye damage or vision loss. Treatments for dry eye include over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, steroid eye drops, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle modification. If these treatments do not provide relief, there are a number of in-office procedures that our highly trained doctors can provide to reduce discomfort and potential damage from dry eye.
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Fuchs’ Dystrophy

Fuchs’ dystrophy causes swelling of the cornea, often leading to blurred vision, excessive glare, eye pain, and other symptoms. This is a progressive condition for which there is no cure, but your ophthalmologist can help alleviate symptoms and slow the swelling that impacts the cornea. Once advanced, Fuchs’ dystrophy must be treated with corneal transplant surgery.
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Iritis

Iritis, or inflammation of the iris (colored part of the eye) can cause discomfort, redness, light sensitivity, floaters, and blurred vision. Untreated, iritis may lead to vision loss, glaucoma, retinal damage, or cataracts. Treatment for iritis may include prescription eye drops, dilation of the eyes, or steroid pills or injections. Extended use of steroid eye drops or oral steroids may be required for this condition, which may become chronic.
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Keratoconus

Keratoconus causes the cornea to become thinner and weaker, eventually shifting from a domed shape to cone-shaped. This can lead to blurred vision, streaking, ghost images, halos, and light sensitivity. Keratoconus is a progressive condition that may be treated with special lenses in its early stages, but may require surgical intervention once advanced.
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Pterygium

A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth that develops on the outer layer of the eye (the conjunctiva). This condition may cause redness or swelling on the eye’s surface, dry eye, itching, burning, and other symptoms managed with the use of special eye drops. Pterygium can also grow large enough to obstruct the vision, in which case surgical removal is necessary.
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Keratoplasty (Corneal Transplant)

During a keratoplasty procedure, part or all of a patient’s cornea is replaced with donated corneal tissue. This surgery can be a required treatment for a number of corneal conditions, injuries, and diseases and is best performed by a highly experienced ophthalmologist or eye surgeon.
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