About Corneal Diseases
The cornea is the transparent layer at the very front of the eye and one of the most important structures for sharp vision. When corneal diseases are not treated early, they can cause serious, sometimes permanent, vision loss.
Corneal problems range from infections and dystrophies to swelling, surface growths and injuries. Each is assessed individually to protect the clarity of the cornea.
What Is the Cornea?
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window that focuses light into the eye. Because it has no blood vessels, it relies on tears and the fluid behind it to stay healthy and transparent. Damage to the cornea distorts the light entering the eye and blurs vision.
Conditions affecting corneal shape, such as keratoconus, and surface conditions such as dry eye are closely related to corneal health and are assessed together.
Common Corneal Diseases
The most common corneal conditions include:
- Keratitis (corneal infection): Bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection — risk is high in contact-lens users. Causes severe pain, redness, light sensitivity and reduced vision.
- Corneal dystrophies: Inherited conditions that gradually reduce corneal transparency.
- Corneal oedema: Fluid build-up causing morning blurring, glare and haze.
- Pterygium: A fleshy growth from the white of the eye onto the cornea, causing redness, irritation and astigmatism.
- Corneal injuries: Trauma, scratches or foreign bodies — early treatment is important.
Symptoms
Corneal disease commonly presents with:
- Pain and foreign-body sensation: A gritty, painful eye, often severe in infection.
- Redness: Inflammation of the eye surface.
- Light sensitivity: Discomfort in bright light.
- Blurred vision: Loss of clarity as the cornea is affected.
- Watering and discharge: Reflex tearing and, in infection, discharge.
Diagnosis
Corneal disease is assessed with:
- Slit-lamp examination: Detailed magnified view of the corneal layers.
- Surface staining: Dyes reveal abrasions, ulcers and dry areas.
- Corneal topography / tomography: Maps shape and thickness (e.g. for keratoconus).
- Microbiology: Cultures identify the organism in infections.
Treatment
Drops & Protection
Many corneal conditions are treated medically — targeting infection and protecting the surface.
Medication
Antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal drops treat infection.
Protection
Lubricants and bandage lenses support healing.
Follow-up
Healing is monitored to prevent scarring.
Surface Healing
When Needed
When the cornea is structurally damaged, surgical options restore clarity.
Cross-linking
Strengthens the cornea in progressive thinning.
Surface Surgery
Removes growths or scar tissue from the surface.
Transplant
Replaces a damaged cornea (often layered, DMEK/DSEK).
Restored Clarity
Worried about your cornea?
A detailed corneal assessment guides the most suitable treatment.