Corneal Disease

Learn more about corneal disease and how it is treated.

Overview

Corneal disease affects the cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye) and can be caused by things like genetic mutations or eye injuries.

The cornea allows light to enter your eye. It also protects your eye from dirt, germs and particles.

The cornea can often heal itself if it gets injured or infected. If there is an existing genetic condition, or if an injury or infection worsens, that can cause corneal disease. For example, corneal dystrophies cause structural problems in the cornea that cannot heal without treatment.

For more information on corneal disease visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Our clinic

Diagnosis, treatment and management of corneal disease take place in our Ophthalmology Clinic.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Symptoms

The symptoms of corneal disease vary based on whether the cornea is infected, injured or diseased. Common symptoms include:

Pain and redness
Blurred vision
Extreme sensitivity to light
Discharge

Diagnosis

If you experience symptoms of corneal disease, please see your optometrist. Your optometrist will test your eyesight and examine your eyes. If needed, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist for more testing or treatment.

Treatment

Many corneal diseases are treated with antibiotic or antifungal eye drops. In severe cases of corneal dystrophy, a corneal transplant may be required.