Corneal Diseases

Corneal Infection

Corneal infections are often the result of injuries to the cornea such as scratches that allow bacteria or fungus to enter the cornea. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk of corneal infections. In most cases, corneal infections can be treated with antibacterial or antifungal eye drops or oral medications. This is normally a treatable condition, but severe corneal infections can threaten the eyesight and eye health and may require surgical treatment or a corneal transplant.

Learn More

Corneal Transplants

Corneal transplant surgery is known as keratoplasty. During this procedure, a patient’s diseased or damaged cornea is replaced with donor corneal tissue. This is a delicate procedure that should only be performed by an experienced cornea surgeon.

Learn More

Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is a painful wound on the cornea that may be the result of scratches, injury, or poor contact lens care. In addition to pain, a corneal ulcer may cause decreased vision, eye redness, light sensitivity, swelling of the eyelids, or the sensation that there is something in the eye. This condition can progress to threaten vision and should be treated promptly by an ophthalmologist.

Learn More

Fuchs’ Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Fuch’s Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy is a condition that causes the cornea to swell and can lead to blurry vision, glare, or eye pain in severe cases. Fuchs’ dystrophy is progressive, but certain eye medications can help slow swelling and reduce symptoms. Once Fuchs’ dystrophy has progressed to an advanced stage, a corneal transplant may be required.

Learn More

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition characterized by a cornea that becomes cone-shaped instead of dome-shaped, and is caused by thinning and weakening of the cornea. Common symptoms of keratoconus are ghost images, halos, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and streaking. This is a progressive condition. In early stages, keratoconus can be treated with special glasses or contact lenses, but advanced treatment or surgery may be required once the condition has advanced.

Learn More

Pterygium

A pterygium is a growth on the outer layer of the eye, called the conjunctiva. Most symptoms of pterygia, including dry eye, redness, swelling on the surface of the eye, burning and itching, can be treated with ove- the-counter or prescription eye drops. If a pterygium grows large enough to obstruct the vision, surgery may be necessary.

Learn More

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a condition that causes painful lesions and blisters to grow on the skin and mucosal surfaces, including the eyes. This rare condition is often a result of an allergic reaction to a prescription or over-the-counter medication and the formation of lesions is usually preceded by flu-like symptoms. Eye involvement with SJS may range from mild dry eye to severe scarring and decreased vision. Even years after the dermatologic issues caused by SJS are alleviated, patients may still require treatment by an ophthalmologist.

Learn More