Your eye has many different parts, all of which are essential to clear vision. Your cornea is one of those parts. It is the clear outer layer located at the front of your eye. The cornea helps ensure clear vision by helping the eye focus light. Unfortunately, there are a number of eye problems that can affect the cornea. Here, the knowledgeable doctors at InVision Eye Care Specialists discuss some of the eye problems that affect the cornea. Patients in Ocean County, Monmouth County and Lakewood, New Jersey who are worried about their corneal health are encouraged to schedule an appointment with any of InVision’s talented doctors today.
The outermost layer of the cornea, called the epithelial layer, has several jobs, including protecting the cornea. EBMD is an eye condition where the epithelium layer does not adhere properly to the underlying corneal layer. Initially, patients may have no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses patients may experience issues with vision and eye irritation. In severe cases, corneal erosion can occur. EBMD treatment varies depending on severity. Some patients only need artificial tears while others may require surgery.
Pterygium is a growth on the eye that can spread to the cornea. As it grows, it can cause a number of eye and vision issues. Treatments vary based on size. A smaller growth may be managed with eye drops while a more significant growth may need to be removed surgically.
Fuchs' dystrophy is a condition that involves the innermost layer of the cornea. It occurs when fluid builds up, causing the cornea to become swollen and vision to cloud. Early on, treatment may not be necessary. As the disorder advances, symptoms can be managed with nonsurgical options. However, the only current cure for Fuchs’ dystrophy is surgery.
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea thins and bulges outward, causing blurry vision. In addition to blurry vision, keratoconus can result in frequently changing eyeglass prescriptions, sensitivity to bright lights and issues with night driving. The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown. While keratoconus cannot be reversed, vision can be improved with eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. Additionally, it may be possible to stop the disease’s progression via an in-office procedure called corneal collagen cross-linking.
If you are suffering from any of the above conditions or are worried about your eye health, the team at InVision Eye Care Specialists is ready to help. To schedule an appointment with any of InVision's talented doctors, please call (732) 607-8515. We look forward to treating patients in the Monmouth County, Ocean County and Lakewood, New Jersey areas.
