Cornea Diseases and Disorders
The cornea is the clear outer tissue that covers the front-facing part of the eye. This structure serves many purposes, like guarding the eye against germs, dirt, and dust, and bending light so that it hits the retina precisely. Healthy corneas are usually dome-shaped without being too round or oblong. The overall shape and condition of the cornea have a profound impact on a person’s vision so it’s important to have your eyes checked if you notice any abnormalities that could indicate corneal injury or disease. At Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, our board-certified ophthalmologists offer a range of solutions for individuals with certain corneal defects.
Common Cornea Diseases and Disorders
Our board-certified eye surgeons have many years of combined experience in identifying, addressing, and managing a large number of corneal diseases and disorders, ranging from the commonly occurring to the rarer. Some conditions we see more frequently at our San Antonio, TX eye centers include:
- Corneal ulcer
- Pterygium
- Keratoconus
- Corneal dystrophy
- Keratitis
- Corneal abrasion
Each of these conditions has different causes and leads to a wide spectrum of symptoms. To know for certain if you are suffering from a corneal disorder, it’s essential to have the problem diagnosed by a professional.
Cornea Diseases & Disorders FAQ
What are some signs and symptoms of corneal disease?
While there are many different causes of corneal conditions, the symptoms of corneal disease are often similar, including:
- Extreme light sensitivity
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Redness
- Excessive tearing
- Headaches
What are some causes of and risks for corneal conditions?
There are many types of corneal diseases, disorders, and problems. Some are due to inherited genetic traits, such as corneal dystrophy. Other conditions can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infection, nutritional deficiencies, tumors, or allergies. Trauma to the eye from an injury or accident is also a common cause of corneal problems. To prevent injury to your corneas, you should wear eye protection while playing sports such as baseball or hockey, working with tools, using chemicals, making repairs, or doing yard work with power equipment.
If you wear contacts, you should always follow the proper steps for disinfecting, cleaning, and storing your lenses to prevent corneal infections, like keratitis.
How does my eye doctor check for corneal disease?
As part of a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will usually employ a special eye drop with fluorescein dye to make corneal abrasions easier to see. This procedure is easy, virtually painless, and is normal for a comprehensive exam.
Cornea-Related Procedures
How Do I Know If I Have A Cornea Disease?
Diseases and injuries that can affect the cornea often have a dramatic impact on an individual’s vision so it’s important to have a complication looked at by a medical professional as soon as you notice any abnormal signs or symptoms. At Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, our esteemed team provides a range of advanced services for a number of corneal diseases, including keratoconus and others. Reach out to our team to schedule your consultation today.