Comprehensive Guide to Corneal Disease

Corneal disease can result from a variety of causes. Some conditions are the outcome of acute trauma or injury, while others develop gradually over time due to underlying health issues or environmental factors.

Common causes include:

• Trauma or Injury: Physical injuries, such as scratches from fingernails, debris, or contact lens misuse, can damage the epithelium, the cornea’s outer layer.
• Infections: Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can begin following an injury or due to poor hygiene, especially among contact lens wearers.
• Chronic Dry Eye: A deficiency in tear production or quality can lead to chronic dryness, causing irritation and predisposing the cornea to damage and inflammation.
• Genetic Factors: Some corneal dystrophies, such as Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy and Map-Dot Fingerprint Dystrophy, stem from genetic inheritance and affect both eyes in a predictable pattern.
• Environmental Exposures: Overexposure to ultraviolet light or environmental irritants can cause long-term damage over time, impacting the smooth surface of the cornea.
• Systemic Conditions: Diseases that affect the entire body, including autoimmune disorders, can also have effects on the cornea’s health and function.

Understanding these causes helps in both prevention and early detection. In many cases, a simple change in behavior—such as practicing proper contact lens hygiene or protecting the eyes from UV exposure—can reduce the risk of developing a serious corneal condition.

Accurate diagnosis of corneal disease is fundamental to developing an effective treatment plan. Our cornea specialist utilizes advanced diagnostic technology to examine and assess the condition of your cornea carefully. Key diagnostic tests include:

• Slit-Lamp Examination:
  A crucial method where a beam of light is used to inspect the cornea and other anterior structures closely, helping reveal signs of abrasions, ulcers, or dystrophies.

• Corneal Topography:
  This imaging technique creates a detailed map of the cornea’s surface to detect irregularities in shape, which is especially useful in diagnosing conditions like keratoconus.

• Pachymetry:
  A tool that measures the thickness of the cornea. Abnormal thickness readings can indicate swelling, degenerative changes, or other pathological conditions.

• Advanced Imaging:
  In certain cases, additional imaging techniques are used to gain a comprehensive view of the corneal structure, pinpointing the exact cause of vision problems.

• OCT Tomography:
  Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to capture detailed cross-sectional images of the cornea. This high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging allows us to detect subtle, microscopic changes, enhancing the precision of our diagnosis and ensuring early detection of corneal abnormalities.

These diagnostic procedures not only help detect early signs of corneal disease before significant vision loss occurs, but they also enable us to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for each patient.