By Sharp Sight , Ophthalmology
Having a dome-like structured, the cornea is your eyes’ outermost layer which protects it from dust, germs and other dangerous elements. It is not only a protective shield for your eyes, but also acts as a window for controlling and focusing the entry of light into your eyes. The cornea is formed by three major coverings, namely the outer layer also known as epithelial layer, the middle layer or stroma and lastly a single covering of cells termed the endothelium.
Though the cornea is endowed with an ability to sustain minor infections or injuries; but it is during the recovering phase that you may experience different types of symptoms, such as:
Infections
Fungal, bacterial as well as parasitic conditions
Nutritional Deficiencies
Chiefly the deficiency of Vitamin A
Growths
Malignant or benign cancerous growths on the surface of your eyes
Allergies
Atopic and vernal kerato conjunctivitis
Autoimmune disorders
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Wegener’s ailment or lupus
Besides these, other conditions that can cause damage to your eyes are eyelid disorders, dry eye and glaucoma.
Signs/Symptoms
- Pain
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Acute light sensitivity
- Redness
Treatment-
Treatment is designed as per the individual’s eye condition or disease, which may include medications, surgery or laser treatment.
The physicians often prescribe medicated eye drops or oral medication to heal the eye conditions. If there is a minor abrasion, then it may require a bandage contact lens or temporary patching based on the cause. Keratoconus, wherein the cornea becomes flexible and acquires a cone-like shape is often handled using special contact lenses. Nowadays, more innovative methods of treatment are being used, such as corneal implants and corneal crosslinking (ultraviolet-A and riboflavin). Corneal transplant treatment is used in extreme cases.
If an eye disease develops due to an allergy than it is quite likely that it may respond well to both oral and topical medications.