What Is a Corneal Disorder?
Corneal disorder is a term used to describe a group of conditions affecting the cornea, the transparent part of the eye that acts as the outermost lens. The term encompasses conditions including infections, genetic disorder, and degeneration. There are several types of corneal disorders, but the most common are Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, keratoconus, and bullous keratopathy.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the type of disorder. Patients with keratoconus usually experience blurred vision, which is the first and the main sign of the disease. Wearing contact lenses may also become difficult because of the irregular shape of the cornea.
People with bullous keratopathy or Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy may experience glare at night or when exposed to bright sunlight. As the disease progresses, vision may become foggier and blurrier, especially in the morning. If left unaddressed, a corneal disorder can progress, leading to severely impaired vision.
Causes of Corneal Disorder
Corneal disorders can be caused by other health issues and conditions, including:
- Age
- Contact lenses
- Trauma
- Eye diseases including retinopathy, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and retinitis pigmentosa
- System diseases including Down syndrome, Leber’s congenital amaurosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta
Corneal Disorder Diagnosis
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose corneal disorders by examining the eyes with magnifying instruments. By using corneal topography and a slit lamp, our eye doctor can detect corneal scars, early cataracts, and other issues associated with the front structure of the eyes.
Corneal Disorder Treatment
Some corneal conditions can be treated with eye drops or pills. However, if it is already an advanced level of corneal disease, one of the following treatments may be suggested:
- Laser treatment – This treatment is used to remove cornea scars, reshape the cornea, and make vision clearer.
- Cornea transplant surgery – If the cornea is severely damaged, a doctor can remove the damaged part of it and replace it with a donor’s cornea.
- Artificial cornea – This is an alternative to cornea transplant surgery called keratoprosthesis.
Ophthalmologist in Inglewood, CA
If you noticed symptoms of a corneal disorder, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you live in Inglewood, CA, or elsewhere in the surrounding areas, the optometry professionals at Insightful Eye Care are ready to assist you. Our dedicated staff is proud to offer reliable veterinary services, including the treatment of corneal disorders. For more information or to request an appointment with our ophthalmologist, call us at (310) 671-0909.
