Corneal Diseases

The cornea is a transparent and avascular structure in the front of the eye, and focuses the light and protects the eye from external factors. The transparency of the cornea may be congenitally defective, or it may deteriorate over time due to genetic factors, past infection, trauma and surgical procedures. Deterioration of the transparency of the cornea means a decrease in the quality of vision. If the cornea is affected in any way, complaints such as severe pain, burning, stinging and increased light sensitivity may be encountered.

Corneal Diseases and Treatments

Under normal conditions, the cornea is a dome-shaped tissue, and it not only protects the structures inside the eye, but also refracts the initial light coming into the eye from the outside. Thus, ensuring that the image falls on the retina in a healthy manner. Even the smallest problem that happens in the cornea, the most refractive layer in the eye, can cause severe visual impairment.

Treatment of corneal diseases may vary according to the type and degree of the disease. The disease is diagnosed with examinations, then treatment is started. Early diagnosis is very important in the success of treatment.

Microcornea

A cornea with a horizontal diameter of less than 10 mm is called a microcornea. The problem causes light coming from outside to decrease and it can be treated with surgical methods.

Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea, the outermost surface of the eye, is called keratitis. Keratitis can cause blurring of the corneal tissue. In advanced cases, tissue perforations can be seen. Keratitis can be caused by an infection or not. When the cause of keratitis is not infection, there is a possibility that long-term use of contact lenses and foreign substances that come into contact with the eye may cause the disease. Infection-related keratitis can occur due to bacteria and viruses.

Infection-related keratitis treatment is done according to the intensity and type of infection. Keratitis caused by bacteria is treated with eye drops. For keratitis caused by an advanced infection, antibiotics can be used for treatment.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus can be defined as a corneal disease where the cornea structure is disrupted with progressing myopia and astigmatism, gets thinner and curves out. It is a progressive corneal disease. In cases where it is observed in both eyes, one of the eyes may progress more.

Keratoconus treatment consists of a multi-stage process that may vary according to the degree of the disease. The use of glasses and contact lenses is preferred for the correction of vision disorders in the early stages. In advanced stages, the use of hard contact lenses and scleral lenses may be preferred. These methods do not permanently stop the progression of the disease. Corneal cross-linking and hybrid therapy should be used when suitable to permanently cease progression.

Keratoplasty (Cornel Transplant)

It is a surgical procedure of removing the corneal layer that has completely lost its transparency and formal integrity, and transplanting healthy tissue. Keratoconus and various corneal diseases cannot be corrected with medication or surgical procedure, however may be discussed if deformities and severe visual disturbances are experienced.