Clouding of the cornea of ​​the eye: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Cloudy cornea; Corneal opacification; Corneal scarring; Corneal edema

The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye, which helps focus light and images on the retina. When she gets cloudy, it can cause vision problems, discomfort and even blindness. This condition is known as corneal clouding., and it is important to understand the reasons, symptoms and treatment options, to keep your eyes healthy.

What is cloudy cornea?

Corneal clouding is a condition, in which the normally clear and clear cornea becomes cloudy or opaque. This can lead to visual impairment., because the cornea is responsible for focusing light on the retina. Opacity can range from small localized areas to complete corneal opacity and may occur in one or both eyes. Corneal clouding can develop suddenly or gradually over time and can be caused by a variety of causes., including infections, injuries and diseases.

Causes corneal opacity

There are many factors, which can contribute to corneal clouding, including:

  • Infection. Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can cause inflammation and clouding of the cornea.
  • Injuries: Eye injury, eg, a blow to the head or a foreign object in the eye, may lead to clouding of the cornea.
  • Disease: Some diseases, such as keratoconus, Fuchs' dystrophy and autoimmune diseases, may cause corneal clouding.
  • Degenerative conditions: age-related changes in the cornea can lead to, that over time it will become cloudy and opaque.
  • Hereditary diseases: some people are born with cloudy corneas due to genetic disorders.

Symptoms of corneal opacity

Symptoms of corneal clouding may vary depending on the cause., but common symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Pain or discomfort in the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Redness or swelling of the eye
  • Halos around the lights
  • Decreased visual acuity

When to contact a healthcare professional

If you are experiencing symptoms of corneal clouding, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications and the possibility of permanent vision loss.. If you experience a sudden change in vision, eye pain or redness, immediately seek medical advice, as it may indicate a more serious condition, requiring immediate treatment.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When you visit your ophthalmologist, he will ask you some questions, to determine the cause and severity of corneal clouding, including:

  • When did your symptoms start?
  • What are your symptoms?
  • Have you had any recent eye injuries or infections?
  • Have you been diagnosed with any eye diseases or conditions in the past?
  • Do you experience pain or discomfort in your eyes?

Diagnosis of cloudy cornea

Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose corneal clouding, including visual acuity test, slit lamp examination and corneal mapping test. They may also perform additional tests, such as corneal thickness measurement, to determine the cause and degree of clouding.

Cloudy cornea treatment

Treatment for a cloudy cornea will depend on the cause of the condition.. Common treatments include:

  • Medicines: Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to treat infections or reduce inflammation.
  • Surgery: in some cases, surgery may be required to remove cloudy tissue and restore clear vision. Examples of surgical procedures include corneal transplantation, laser vision correction and corneal stitching.
  • Contact lenses. If cloudiness causes vision problems, Your doctor may prescribe special contact lenses, to help improve your eyesight.
  • home treatment: if the cause of cloudiness is related to dry eyes, your doctor may recommend artificial tear drops or ointments, to keep your eyes moisturized.

Prevention of corneal opacity

There are several steps, you can take, to prevent clouding of the cornea, including:

  • Protect your eyes: wear protective goggles, when you participate in events, that put your eyes at risk, eg, when playing sports or using power tools.
  • Observe the rules of hygiene: wash your hands regularly, to prevent the spread of infections, and don't touch your eyes, without first washing your hands.
  • Control diseases: if you have a condition, which increases the risk of corneal opacity, such as diabetes,, it is important to manage it as directed by the doctor.
  • Follow a healthy diet: a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, may help maintain the overall health of your eyes.
  • Get regular eye exams: regular eye exams can help detect corneal clouding at an early stage, so that treatment can be started before, How does vision deteriorate?.

In conclusion, corneal clouding is a serious condition, which can cause vision problems, discomfort and even blindness, if left untreated. Understanding the reasons, symptoms and treatment options, you can protect the health of your eyes and keep clear vision. If you are experiencing symptoms of corneal clouding, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, to get the help you need.

Used sources and literature

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Gonçalves De Pinho AR. Corneal tissue engineering: new applications for corneal stromal stem cells (Doctoral dissertation, UCL (University College London)). discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10127500/1/PhD_FinalThesis_AnaRitaPinho.pdf. Published December 2020. Accessed November 4, 2022.

Guluma K, Lee JE. Ophthalmology. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 57.

Kane JS, Kane SA. Cloudy corneas, plus. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(2):73. PMID: 35343823 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35343823/.

Kataguiri P, Kenyon KR, Beat P, Wadia HP, Sugar J. Corneal and external eye manifestations of systemic disease. In: Yanoff M, Tablecloths JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.25.

Lisch W, Weiss JS. Early and late clinical landmarks of corneal dystrophies. Exp Eye Res. 2020;198:108139. PMID: 32726603 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32726603/.

Patel SS, Goldstein DA. Episcleritis and scleritis. In: Yanoff M, Tablecloths JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.11.

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