Symptoms of Corneal Disease

The cornea, that clear window at the front of your eye, plays a vital role in your vision. When it’s not working properly, you’ll likely begin to feel various symptoms of corneal disease.

Let’s explore the common corneal diseases, their associated signs, and when to seek corneal treatment.

Keratitis

Keratitis means the cornea is swollen. It can happen because of germs (infectious) or other reasons (noninfectious). When it’s infectious, it’s often called a corneal ulcer and is usually caused by bacteria. Noninfectious keratitis may result from eye injuries or conditions that dry out the eye. 

Symptoms of keratitis include:

• Eye pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Foreign body sensation
• Blurry vision
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Watery eyes
• Pus or discharge

Corneal Ectasia

Corneal ectasia is when the cornea changes shape, getting thinner and bulging out. Keratoconus is the main one in this group. Sometimes, corneal ectasia happens after eye surgeries like LASIK or corneal transplants. At first, you might not feel any different, but as time goes on, it can mess with your vision. 

Symptoms of corneal ectasia include:

• Gradual vision changes
• Thinning and bulging of the cornea
• Potential complications

Corneal Dystrophy

Corneal dystrophy encompasses a group of genetic disorders characterized by abnormal deposits of proteins, fluid, or other materials in one or more layers of the cornea. Some forms of corneal dystrophy are progressive, meaning they worsen over time. Fuchs dystrophy is the most common type. 

Symptoms associated with corneal dystrophy include:

• Vision changes
• Abnormal deposits
• Potential progression

How Do Doctors Check for Cornea Problems?

Here are some steps a doctor might take to check for corneal disease:

Slit Lamp Exam

Doctors will often use a fancy microscope that shines a bright light to look deep into your eye. They can adjust the light to see better. 

Fluorescein Eye Stain Test

Medical professionals may also put a special dye in your eye and shine a blue light on it. This dye helps them spot scratches or other damage more easily.

Schedule a Consultation in Massachusetts

If you’re experiencing symptoms of corneal disease, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Longwood Eye & LASIK Center. We’ve got a special team of eye experts in Gardner, Greenfield, West Springfield, and Fitchburg, MA. 

Contact us at 1-855-286-2020 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward clearer, healthier eyes.