Your cornea serves an important function for your vision. It is more than a transparent cover over your pupil. The cornea also handles almost three-quarters of your eye’s focusing power.
Functional eyesight would not be possible without a cornea, which is why they need to be in good shape.
Protecting your eyes with UV proof sunglasses and safety gear is necessary. Consistent eye appointments with Colorado Eye Consultants are invaluable. You may need to see a specialist under certain circumstances.
There are many issues that your cornea could face. Symptoms such as blurry vision, excess tears, redness of the eyes, light sensitivity, and pain could stem from problems with your cornea.
These issues include corneal degeneration, ocular herpes, keratitis, keratoconus, corneal ulcers, and corneal scarring. A cornea specialist will be able to identify these problems and put you on the path to recovery.
Keep reading to learn more about when you may want to see a cornea specialist!
A Closer Look at Cornea Problems
Here are some better descriptions of certain corneal problems you may experience.
Corneal Degeneration
Corneal degeneration can be the result of some of the following eye diseases. Corneal degeneration can also occur because of eye trauma, autoimmune disorders, and even genetics.
As the name suggests, corneal degeneration is the general term for a cornea that is degrading.
Ocular Herpes
Ocular herpes, as with other forms of the disease, is a viral infection that can flare-up. The sores created by the infection generally occur on the surface of the cornea. They can spread deeper into the eye if left untreated.
Keratitis/Corneal Inflammation
Keratitis, or corneal inflammation, can be caused by several different factors. This includes bacterial infection, fungal infection, as the result of a virus, or improper contact lens wear.
Left untreated, chronic keratitis can lead to permanent injury and scarring.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a disease that causes the cornea to swell and bulge into a cone-like shape. This makes the cornea thin out and causes the vision to become distorted.
With keratoconus, light no longer passes through the oddly shaped cornea as it should.
Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers are open sores on the cornea that can come from a wide variety of sources. They look like a grayish spot on the cornea.
They may be so small that they are invisible without significant magnification. Corneal ulcers cause pain, mucous discharge, and the feeling of something in your eye.
Corneal Scarring
Corneal scarring is a big problem, as it can cause permanent damage to your vision. If the cornea is not translucent or curved the correct way, vision from that eye will be flawed.
Avoiding other corneal problems develop into corneal scarring is incredibly important. Stay up to date on your regular eye appointments and see a specialist when necessary. This is the best way to maintain excellent eyesight.
Dealing with a corneal issue and need to see a corneal specialist? Schedule an appointment at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton, CO today!
The sooner you see a corneal specialist, the sooner your eyes can heal and feel better!
