Frequently Asked Questions-
What
is the primary role of the cornea?
The cornea is the transparent and
protective outermost layer of the eye. This dome-shaped surface shields the
entire front part of the eye that includes the iris, pupil, and anterior
chamber. This strong, durable and clear layer protects the eye from dust, or germs.
Other parts of the eye like the eye socket, tears, eyelids, and sclera help the
cornea to perform the protective task.
Also, the cornea keeps a check on the
entry of light into the eye. Dr Parul Sharma says, It acts as a filter to
screen out the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and protects the lens as
well as the retina from the damage caused by UV radiation. More than 65% of the
total focusing power of the eye is managed by the cornea.
What
happens when the cornea gets injured?
It is common for the cornea to heal on
its own after minor injuries or abrasions in the eye. An injury that is deep
can lead to corneal scarring, pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity
and pain. Such symptoms can be cured with professional treatment and the
healing process may take a little longer. Deeper scratches and injuries on the
cornea can also impair the vision to a great extent and may demand corneal
transplant.
What
are the common problems that affect the cornea?
Allergy:
Eye
allergies are common and may lead itchiness, burning, redness, tearing, and
stinging. Chances of being affected by pollen-related eye allergies are high in
dry and warm. Such allergies usually do not need special medical attention and
can be easily cured with the use of antihistamine decongestant eye drops.
Conjunctivitis:
The
condition refers to the infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is
a thin, clear tissue layer lining the inner eyelid and the eyeball’s outer
membrane. The most common symptoms of the disease include redness, burning,
itching, pain and swelling in the eye.
Extremely contagious in nature,
conjunctivitis usually occurs because of an eye allergy or a viral infection.
Certain ingredients in cosmetics, environmental agents, eye drops, or contact
lenses can also irritate the eye and cause conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis has no adverse effect on
a person’s vision. However, seeking a professional’s help on time is important.
If not treated on time, the inflammation may spread and cause severe corneal
infection, which can also hamper the vision.
Dry eye: According
to Dr. Parul Sharma of Max Hospital, this eye disorder is marked by production
of fewer or less quality tears, making the eye dry and uncomfortable. The
dryness often leads to a scratchy or sandy feeling in the eye. Other symptoms
include burning or stinging sensation, redness, and pain. In some cases,
dryness in the eye is often experienced after long episodes of excess tearing.
Keratitis:It is
the painful inflammation of the cornea that is usually a result of an attack by
a foreign object. An infection caused by bacteria or fungi/viruses can also
cause Keratitis.
This can further lead to corneal
scarring, corneal discharges, destruction of the cornea, and poor vision. A
corneal transplant, thus, may be required. Contact lens wearers are most prone
to such corneal infections.
Anti-bacterial eye drops can be used for
treating minor corneal infections. Intensive antibiotic or anti-fungal
treatment may be prescribed if the condition worsens. In such cases,
inflammation can also be reduced using steroid eye drops. The patient might
need to go for regular check-ups by a specialised eye care professional for a
long period of time to get rid of the problem completely.
Keratoconus:It
refers to the cornea’s progressive thinning. The thinning usually starts from
the middle and bulges outwards. The gradual accumulation takes a round conical
shape. The cornea’s abnormal curvature can lead to problems like
near-sightedness, double or blurred vision, astigmatism, sensitivity to light,
and sight-impairing scarring.
In most cases, both eyes are usually
affected with the condition at the same time. The problems related to vision
can be corrected initially with the use of glasses or soft contact lenses. A
person may require specially-fitted contact lenses if astigmatism worsens and
leads to severe distortion.
It may take the cornea a few years to stabilise
completely. In some cases, severe corneal scarring may make it difficult for
the patient totolerate a contact lens. The eye specialist, thus, may suggest a
corneal transplant. A technique called collagen cross-linking may prove effective
in selected keratoconus cases.
Troubled by an eye ailment? Consult Dr
Parul Sharma, Head of Department at Max Hospital (Gurgaon) and Senior Eye
Surgeon at Max Eye Care, Panchsheel Park/Saket (Delhi). Visit http://drparulsharma.com/index.php and
book an appointment today.
