Other Corneal Diseases

Corneal Infections

The most common causes of corneal infections are contact lens use, herpes keratitis caused by the herpes virus, and fungal keratitis seen after vegetative injuries. Redness of the eye that develops during contact lens wear may be the first sign of infection. Lens use should be discontinued unless otherwise confirmed by the doctor. Many bacterial and parasitic infections can cause corneal ulcers severe enough to cause permanent vision damage or even eye loss in contact lens wearers.

Herpetic keratitis is the most common cause of corneal infections and related corneal opacities in adults living in developed countries. Fungal keratitis is also frequently observed in vegetative injuries in rural areas and workers.

Corneal infections are serious vision-threatening diseases. Early diagnosis and correct treatment are of great importance in preventing permanent vision loss.

What are corneal opacities?

The most common cause is scars that develop after corneal infections. One of the leading causes of hereditary corneal dystrophies is the spots that develop as a result of the accumulation of substances in the corneal tissue. It mostly occurs as a result of consanguineous marriages. If there is permanent vision loss, the treatment is corneal transplantation.

What is corneal edema?

The transparency of the corneal tissue is provided by endothelial cells on the inner surface of the cornea, which act as a pump. A decrease in the number of these cells below a certain value causes blurred vision in the cornea and corneal edema. One of these reasons is cataract surgery. Especially having cataract surgeries performed in conditions where adequate surgical time is not provided paves the way for this. Rarely, hereditary corneal edema may develop due to endothelial cell deficiency in children and adults. Its treatment is possible with corneal transplantation. In the past, the whole corneal tissue was replaced in such eyes. Today, seamless endothelial corneal transplants are performed in which only the patient tissue is replaced.

What is keratitis?

Inflammation of the cornea is called keratitis. There are several types and causes. It can lead to a loss of transparency in the cornea and a deterioration in the quality of vision.

Keratitis can occur due to many different causes such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and allergic reactions. Wearing contact lenses can also increase the risk of keratitis. In addition, trauma, surgery, and some systemic diseases of the cornea can also cause the development of keratitis.

Symptoms of keratitis may include pain, redness, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and loss of vision.

Treatment may vary depending on the cause of the keratitis. Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, while fungal infections are treated with antifungal medications. Viral keratitis is treated with antiviral drugs.

Keratitis is a serious eye disease and it is important to diagnose and treat it promptly. If left untreated, keratitis can progress and lead to permanent vision loss. Therefore, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist whenever there is any discomfort in the eyes.

What are chemical burns and how do they occur?

Today, many surface cleaners and chemicals used in homes and industries cause very serious damage to the cornea and eye surface. Of these, alkalis such as hydrochloric acid, drain openers, quicklime are very dangerous.

How is the treatment of chemical burns performed?

When an injury occurs, the eye should be washed with plenty of clean water and a nearby eye clinic should be consulted. Medication, covering the eye surface with special tissues, stem cell transplantation, and, in more advanced cases, corneal transplantation may be required.

Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.

*The content of this page is for informational purposes only. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Last Update Date: 02.06.2023