Aglia
Corneal Opacity (Corneal Opacification; Cloudy Cornea)
Description corneal opacity
Corneal opacity is a disease of the cornea, transparent structure on the front of the eyeball. It can cause serious eye problems. Corneal opacity occurs, When the cornea becomes scarred. This stops light, passing through the cornea to the retina and can cause, the cornea becomes white or clouded.
There are many causes of corneal opacity. In some cases, your doctor may recommend treatment, which completely removes turbidity and reduce the need for additional treatment, such as surgery.
Causes corneal opacity
Infection, injury or inflammation of the eye are the most common cause of corneal opacity.
Risk factors for corneal opacity
Factors, which may increase the risk of corneal clouding include:
- Vitamin A deficiency;
- Kor (when measles can lead to scarring / infection of the eye);
- The defeat of the eye by foreign bodies;
- Eye injury, regardless of the use of force, such as a poke in the eye, or exposure to a chemical agent;
- Herpes simplex virus (which can get into the eyes);
- Other infections, including conjunctivitis or "pink eye”;
- Besides, wearing contact lenses for a long period of time, especially at night, may increase the risk of eye infections and, Consequently, increase the chance of developing corneal opacity.
Symptoms of corneal opacity
These symptoms, besides corneal opacity, They may be caused by other diseases. If you experience any of them, you should immediately consult a doctor, optometrist.
- Decrease or loss of vision;
- Eye pain or foreign body sensation;
- Redness of the eye or sensitivity to light;
- Area on the eye, which is a vague, Breast, or is not completely transparent.
Diagnosis of corneal opacity
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including illnesses and injuries, and perform a physical examination.
To prepare for a comprehensive eye examination the doctor may put drops in the eye drops, to anesthetize them and extend pupils. Inspection is carried out using a slit lamp, a special microscope to examine the eye. In the eyes directed a strong beam of light, allowing you to explore the cornea and other structures within the eye.
Treatment of corneal opacity
Treatment depends on the likely cause of the scarring and order, how serious they are. Treatment may include:
- Eye drops, containing antibiotics, steroids, or both active ingredients;
- Medicines for oral administration.
In some cases, the scar tissue may be surgically removed. Operation can be performed with a laser (phototherapeutic keratectomy), If the scars are close to the surface of the cornea. In more severe cases,, It may be needed keratoplasty.
Prevention of corneal opacity
To reduce the chance of developing corneal opacity:
- Be careful, Try not to damage your eyes. Protect your eyes during any potentially dangerous activity. Check, that the goggles fit snugly to the face, otherwise a foreign body can fly under the goggles and injure the eye;
- It is necessary to take proper care of contact lenses, and follow the doctor's recommendations for carrying and cleaning;
- Seek immediate medical attention, If you suspect you have an eye infection, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), if you are injured eye, or if there is eye pain or change in vision.
