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Corneal Disease

Click here to watch an animation about the corneal transplant procedure to learn more »

The cornea is a thin, clear, spherical layer of tissue on the surface of the eye that provides a window for light to pass through. In a healthy eye, the cornea bends or refracts light rays so they focus precisely on the retina in the back of the eye.

There are many diseases that can affect the cornea, causing pain or loss of vision. Disease, infection or injury can cause the cornea to swell (called "edema") or degrade (become cloudy and reduce vision). Common diseases and disorders that affect the cornea include:

• Allergies
• Bullous Keratopathy
  
• Conjunctivitis ("Pink Eye")
• Dry Eye
• Corneal Dystrophies including Fuchs' Dystrophy and Lattice Dystrophy
• Glaucoma (High Eye Pressure)
• Infections
• Keratitis (Viral Inflammation)
• Keratoconus
• Ocular Herpes
• Pterygium
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Treatment for corneal disease can take many forms, depending on the underlying problem as well as the patient's preferences. Some conditions resolve on their own and many can be treated with medication. If the cornea is severely damaged or if there is a risk of blindness, a corneal transplant may be recommended to preserve vision.

Learn more about the cornea and corneal disease from the National Eye Institute. 

Corneal Transplant

The cornea is the clear covering of the front of the eye which bends, or refracts, light rays as they enter the eye. For clear vision to occur, the cornea must have the correct shape and clarity to focus incoming light rays precisely on the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea becomes cloudy or misshapen from injury, infection or disease, transplantation may be recommended to replace it.

Corneal transplants are usually performed with local anesthesia so there is no pain. During the procedure, the cornea is replaced with one from a human donor. The new cornea carries little risk of rejection and can last for many years.

If you are interested in learning more about our treatments for Corneal Diseases, call 404-531-9988 today to schedule an appointment.

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Flashes and Floaters 

Although most flashes and floaters occur in people with healthy or merely nearsighted eyes, they can be symptoms of serious problems including injury and retinal and posterior vitreous detachments. Flashes in vision are caused by pressure on the retina, the bundle of nerves in the back of the eye where images are detected and transmitted to the brain. Patients complain of flashing lights or lightning streaks.

Floaters are often seen when fibers move within the vitreous humor, the gelatinous substance made of water and protein fibers that fills the eye. Patients complain of small specks or dots that can be seen against clear backgrounds. Serious vision loss can occur if the retina or vitreous detach from the eye wall. Patients experiencing flashes and floaters should contact their doctor immediately so an examination can be performed. 

If you are interested in learning more about our treatments for Flashes and Floaters, call 404-531-9988 today to schedule an appointment.