Corneal Diseases ?
The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped, and most refractive layer in the front of the eye. The cornea's function is to focus retinal illumination by refractively refracting light entering the eye. The iris tissue, which gives the eye its colour, is located behind the cornea.
What is the function of the cornea?
The cornea benefits the eye in two ways because it is strong and resilient and is smooth and transparent like glass.
• It shields the inner parts of the eye from germs, dust, and other harmful elements. Along with the eyelids, eye socket, tear, and sclera, it performs this function (white part of the eye).
• It is the point where light enters the eye, similar to a window, and it accounts for 65 to 75 percent of the eye's total refraction. Additionally, it filters some UV rays.
Diseases affecting the cornea
Allergies
In dry and hot weather, pollen allergies are more common. Redness, itching, tearing, burning, stinging, and watering are symptoms. The prevalence of allergies increases with the use of various drugs, cosmetics, and contact lenses.
Conjunctiva
The tissue that covers the lids and the white part of the eye (sclera) is called conjunctiva. Conjunctival infections result in swelling, itching, redness, and burning. Conjunctivitis can spread easily from one person to another in some cases. Long-lasting conjunctivitis can result in corneal inflammation and vision loss.
Corneal Infections
After different kinds of bacteria, viruses, or fungi infect the eye, the cornea may become damaged. Vision blurring, watering, burning, and pain symptoms, as well as whitening and staining of the cornea, may appear in the painful infections known as keratitis.
Corneal Dystrophies
The blurring of one or more eye parts when they lose their normal transparency can frequently run in families and occasionally occur without known causes. Some of them can be found during routine eye exams, despite the fact that they typically impair vision.
Pterygium
On the cornea, pink triangular tissue is moving about. People in sunny environments between the ages of 20 and 40 are affected by it. Surgery is not advised unless it interferes with vision. It features a repeater.
Corneal Ulcer
The cornea may become dry and infected while the eye is open, leading to corneal ulceration (ulcus cornea). The possibility of vision loss exists in the future. The eye gap can be surgically narrowed for those who are at risk.
Dry Eye
Tear production and drainage must continue continuously for the health of the eyes. Tears hydrate the cornea, treat injuries, and shield the eye from infections. Patients with dry eyes produce less tears than healthy eyes. The corneal surface cannot be kept comfortable and moist. Sand-like stinging or an impression of a foreign body in the eye are the most typical symptoms. Women are more likely to experience it, especially after menopause. It can be observed in dry conditions, while taking different medications, and in conditions affecting connective tissue (such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome).
Keratoconus
It is the cornea's progressive thinning, loss of its typical curvature, cone-shaped morphology, and abnormally forward extension. By altering the cornea's refractive power, it results in mild to severe astigmatism and blurred vision.
Cornea Examination Methods
• Biomicroscopy
• Pachymetry
• Specular microscopy
• Esthesiometry
• Examination of the cornea by staining
• Keratometry
• Topography