Corneal and External Eye Diseases

About Diseases of the Cornea and External Eye

The cornea, conjunctiva, and lids are subject to a number of disease processes in otherwise healthy patients, as well as in response to other associated systemic conditions. Many patients will contract infections of the cornea or conjunctiva in response to exposure to infectious agents present at home, at the workplace, school, or in public spaces.

Viral infections (epidemic kerato-conjunctivits) are especially common in schools and other closed environments where there may be direct transmission through hand to eye contact or the respiratory route. Bacterial infections of the conjunctiva or corneal ulcers may also occur, sometimes following viral infections or in patients who are contact lens wearers.

Many otherwise healthy patients, or those with underlying systemic conditions including various forms of arthritis or auto-immune disease, may develop a condition called keratitis sicca (dry eye) due to loss of volume or abnormalities in the tear film. In its mildest forms this may cause irritation, blurring, or excessive reflex tearing, and in more severe cases, damage to the corneal surface leading to increased risk of infection or scarring. Other forms of tearing including blocked tear ducts may result in corneal symptoms and can be diagnosed and treated by our corneal specialists.

There are a number of causes of swelling and or scarring of the cornea including various genetically determined conditions that become more evident with age, including Fuchs' dystrophy, which results from loss of endothelial cells on the back of the eye, and following cataract surgery (pseudophakic bullous keratopathy) that can be diagnosed and treated by our corneal specialists. In severe cases the disease can be cured or placed into long term remission with corneal transplantation, including both traditional penetrating surgery as well as Lamellar Keratoplasty.

Our corneal and external disease team also handles a number of other corneal diseases resulting from thinning, including keratoconus and various inflammations and degenerations, underlying systemic disease such as immune disorders, as well as trauma and post-surgical complications. Treatment options include simple measures such as artificial tears and plugs for the tear ducts, as well as more advanced approaches with the most modern instrumentation and techniques. These may include modern pharmaceuticals, cutting edge lasers, stem cell transplantation, and a variety of sophisticated and effective surgical interventions when other measures fail as a last resort.