What Eye Diseases Affect the Cornea?

by Feb 1, 2022

The cornea is the front of the eye which is clear and responsible for bending light into the eye. When diseases affect the cornea it can cause pain, blurry vision, and other symptoms.  Corneal diseases can be inherited, virus, bacterial or fungal.

 

Inherited Cornea Diseases

Many eye diseases primarily affect the cornea. These diseases are frequently the most damaging to the cornea.

Most of these diseases are genetically inherited and are not transmissible.

Three conditions in this category include keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, and bullous keratopathy.

 

Keratoconus

One of the most impactful corneal conditions is keratoconus. Keratoconus is genetic and typically presents in the adolescent years.

This disease causes abnormal steepening of the cornea and can result in blurred vision even with glasses, and if the disease is not treated appropriately, it can require a corneal transplant.

To treat keratoconus, there are contact lens options and surgical interventions that can halt the progression of the disease.

 

Corneal Dystrophies

A group of inheritable conditions, corneal dystrophies are inheritable disorders that affect the make up of the cornea.

These disorders can cause an increase in risk for corneal damage like an abrasion or even having a corneal penetration injury.

To treat most of these corneal dystrophies, an eye exam is required to initiate the appropriate medication and therapeutic treatments.

 

Bullous Keratopathy

Bullous keratopathy is a severely painful corneal condition which can arise on its own or in relation with other diseases that damage the cornea.

In this condition, there are sores on the front of the cornea which can rupture and result in intense pain and a high risk for infection.

 

Infectious Diseases That Affect the Cornea

While there are many diseases that exclusively affect the cornea, there are just as many conditions which affect the entire eye or even the entire body with some corneal implications.

Diseases like herpes simplex or herpes zoster, bacterial infections, and fungal infections will affect the cornea and cause symptoms such as pain, blurry vision, and red eyes.

 

Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster

Herpes is a class of viruses which can affect the eyes and the entire body. Herpes simplex type 1 is a particular virus which is known to affect the eyes.

Herpes simplex virus will affect the nerves in and around the eyes. This virus can affect the cornea and cause it to lose innervation.

This will make the cornea desensitized and may prolong the time until treatment is sought.

Additionally, herpes simplex virus can result in ulcers on the cornea which can cause extensive damage and blurred vision.

Herpes zoster is the virus responsible for shingles in adults. This condition affects the eyes and face.

Typically, there will be a painful rash on the skin and a similar reaction on the cornea from the virus.

There are vaccines available for herpes zoster and medication treatment is available for both herpes simplex and herpes zoster.

 

Cornea Eye Infections from Bacteria or Fungus

If there is damage to the cornea from a scratch, contact lens overwear, or trauma from a surgery, an infection can arise in the cornea.

Most infectious organisms cannot penetrate a healthy, intact cornea but when the cornea is weakened or damaged the organisms can invade it.

Bacterial or fungal infections can result in inflammation, redness, pain, and blurred vision.

These infections can cause blindness in the worst cases without treatments.

Treatments include antibiotics, antifungals, and antiseptics. These medications may be eye drops or oral tablets.

 

Our optometrist at Eye Contact in Acworth, GA excels in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at (770) 529-1925 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you have or would like to learn more about eye diseases that  affect the cornea. Our eye doctor, Dr. Wes Mobley provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Acworth, Georgia and its surrounding areas.

Request Appointment

You can schedule your next appointment with us online!

Connect With Us

Let’s continue the conversation over on your social network of choice.