We provides comprehensive management of diseases of the cornea and anterior segment. Cornea is the front part of the eye ball which is transparent and watch glass shaped. It accounts for two thirds of the refractive power of the eye. Any disease process affecting the cornea makes it lose its transparency. This affects the vision of the eye.
The cornea is the transparent surface across the front of the eye. Shaped like a dome, the cornea covers the iris and the pupil, and is sometimes known as the window of the eye. The cornea is an organ of the body and is actually very resilient despite how fragile it is.
The cornea consists of several layers, all of which have a particular function:
Epithelial layer. The epithelium is the top layer of cornea and therefore exposed. It makes up 10% of the entire cornea and acts as a barrier to foreign substances including dust, bacteria and liquid. It consists of thousands of nerve endings and is therefore susceptible to pain if scratched or injured.
Bowman’s layer. Sitting underneath the epithelium, this layer consists of collagen.
Stromal layer. The stroma makes up 90% of the cornea and is made up of water and collagen. Although it is fibrous and robust, it is also completely transparent. This is the layer of the cornea that is reshaped for vision correction in a laser eye surgery procedure.
Endotheleum. This bottom most layer of the cornea. Its main purpose is to move liquid out of the stroma thus keeping it balanced. If this were to fail, the stroma would swell and vision could be affected.
As well as protecting the rest of the eye, the cornea is responsible for a certain amount of visual acuity. The cornea acts as the eye’s outermost lens,contributes between 65 to 75% of the eye’s focusing power.
It also functions as a filter, screening out damaging ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths and protecting the lens and retina.
Diseases And Disorders Of The Cornea
There are a number of diseases and disorders that can affect the cornea.
Keratoconus This is a degenerative disease of the cornea that involves a thinning in the central zone of the front of the eye. This leads to a gradual blurring and distortion of the vision. It is thought to be hereditary.
Keratitis An inflammation of the surface of the eye. This can be caused by an infection, an injury to the eye or over wearing of contact lenses.
Recurrent corneal erosion The cells on the front of the eye don’t adhere properly to the underlying layer. This is a painful disorder that must be managed properly.
Pterygium A fleshy growth over the cornea. Also called ‘Surfer’s Eye’ because it is common in people who have constant exposure to sun and sand.
Corneal ulcer An ulcer (open sore) on the surface of the eye. This can be caused by an infection or be the result of an injury or poor contact lens hygiene.
Ocular herpes A recurrent viral infection, this needs proper medical attention.
What Are The Treatments For Corneal Disease?
There are a number of treatments for corneal disorders, including corneal transplantation.
Laser Surgery
Laser Surgery
Anterior lamellar keratoplasty
Endothelial lamellar keratoplasty
Artificial Cornea