COMMON CORNEA DISEASES
Our 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 AEC 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 FAQS
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.
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 AEC in Aligarh, India 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.
WHAT IS KERATOCONUS?
Keratoconus is a gradually progressing disorder that causes structural issues that affect the shape, thickness, and strength of the cornea. Individuals with keratoconus often have corneas with a cone-like shape that, when severe enough, can cause vision problems. Some of the more common signs of the condition include having a sensitivity to light, irregular astigmatism, blurred vision, or worsening distance vision. Our team at AEC specialize in treating this corneal disease and offer a range of solutions for individuals.
HOW IS KERATOCONUS TREATED?
At Anand Eye Centre, our team performs a range of advanced techniques to combat the effects of keratoconus and restore your sight. If you are diagnosed with the disorder and it has progressed enough to warrant treatment, our eye surgeons will consult with you to determine which solution is the most fitting for your situation:
- Corneal cross-linking: Outpatient surgery that utilizes riboflavin eye drops with UV light
- Corneal implant: Tiny, crescent-shaped implants that are inserted into the eye to modify the shape
- Corneal transplant: A long-performed technique that replaces the entire cornea with donor tissue
KERATOCONUS FAQ
What are some other symptoms of keratoconus?
- Double vision, even with one eye closed
- Triple ghost images
- Streaks when seeing bright lights
- Frequent headaches
- Night time halos
Is keratoconus very common?
Keratoconus is actually a lot more common than most think, with as many as 1 in 2000 people experiencing this condition. Some studies suggest this number may be higher, with as many as 1 in 400 people having keratoconus.
What is the cause of keratoconus?
While there still isn’t a firm answer for the cause of keratoconus, many in the medical community believe it is caused by a weakening of the collagen protein fibers in the eyes. Frequent eye rubbing and genetics may also play a part in the development of keratoconus.
Can keratoconus cause blindness?
While keratoconus can progress quickly in the beginning stages, blindness is rare. With regular eye exams and the right treatment, people with keratoconus can still protect their vision and achieve a high degree of visual acuity. Studies have shown that corneal crosslinking is 98% effective at stopping the progression of keratoconus.
DO I HAVE KERATOCONUS?
Although keratoconus could cause vision loss or even blindness when unidentified, this disease can be effectively treated by a trained eye surgeon with years of experience in this specialized realm of care. When you’ve noticed any potential signs or symptoms of keratoconus, such as progressively worsening distance vision or blurry, distorted eyesight, reach out to our team and schedule your consultation.