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Signs of a Cornea Problem

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The cornea is the front part of the eye that plays a crucial role in vision.  It refracts, or bends light as it enters the eye to focus it on the retina. It also protects the eyes from dust, wind and foreign particles.   Given the important role that the cornea plays, it is important to ensure that it is healthy. Here are some signs of a cornea problem that you should know about so that you can seek medical assistance without delay:

Pain or discomfort:

Pain or discomfort in or around the eye should not be ignored as it is usually a sign of a cornea problem. It can range from mild, uncomfortable feelings, including excessive tearing, dryness, or feeling like something is stuck in the eye. 

Blurred vision:

As the cornea is responsible for the eye’s focusing power, any damage to the cornea can result in blurred vision. If you are experiencing blurred vision while reading or driving, you must see an eye doctor immediately.

Redness:

Redness in the eye can indicate an issue with the cornea. Infection, inflammation, or even a foreign object stuck in the eye can be a sign of an infection or other complications. If left untreated, a cornea problem can worsen. 

Sensitivity to light:

A damaged cornea can make the eye more sensitive to light. If you are experiencing discomfort because of bright lights, you should see an eye doctor to get to the root cause of the problem. 

Discharge:

If you wake up with a crusty eye and discharge, it is important to pay attention as it could be more than just an irritated eye. In fact, these symptoms can indicate a serious problem with the cornea that requires medical attention. Corneal infection or inflammation might cause these signs and symptoms, which could lead to a potentially dangerous corneal ulcer if untreated.

Difficulty with contact lenses:

The cornea holds the contact lens in place.  If your contact lenses are not fitting well or causing discomfort suddenly, you must see an eye doctor.  It could be a sign of an underlying cornea problem. 

Common cornea problems are::

  • Corneal abrasions: A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. This can be caused by foreign particles in the eye or wearing wrong-size of contact lenses. 
  • Corneal dystrophies: Corneal dystrophies are a group of inherited disorders that affect the cornea. 
  • Keratoconus: It is a condition in which the cornea bulges, leading to blurred vision and light sensitivity. 
  • Fuch’s dystrophy: Fuch’s dystrophy is a condition in which the cells that produce the innermost layer of the cornea die. This causes the cornea to swell. 

When is cornea surgery needed? 

A cornea transplant is needed to repair or replace a damaged cornea. The transplant is also done to alleviate pain or other symptoms caused by cornea diseases. 

Are you looking for more information on cornea surgery?

To know more on  cornea surgery types such as corneal transplantation, ocular surface and reconstructive surgery, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. For more information contact us  .

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10 Things To Know About Corneal Transplant

The cornea is the transparent part of the eye that covers the front portion of the eye. A cornea is made up of proteins and cells. Unlike other tissues in the body, the cornea doesn’t have blood vessels. Its function is to ensure that the light is bent or refracted when entering the eyes. If your cornea is healthy and smooth, your vision will be clear. However, if your cornea is scarred or damaged, you will develop a blurry vision. If your cornea is damaged or unhealthy, your eye specialist may recommend a corneal transplant which involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy cornea from a deceased donor.

10 things to know about corneal transplant:

1. Who needs a corneal transplant? People whose cornea is damaged or unhealthy cornea might need a corneal transplant. However, an eye specialist is the best person to advise you on the corneal transplant. They will assess your condition and the need for a transplant. There are several conditions like Keratoconus, corneal clouding, corneal infection, corneal dystrophy and corneal injury that leave your cornea damaged. A person with damaged cornea may experience blurry vision.

2. What are the different types of transplants? There are three types of corneal transplants that are done depending on cases. Considering your condition, an eye specialist will determine which procedure will be suitable for you.

    • If the inner and outer layers of the cornea are damaged, then you might be recommended to undergo a full-thickness corneal transplant, also known as penetrating keratoplasty. This surgery will have your entire cornea replaced with a healthy donor’s cornea.
    • If your cornea is not completely damaged, and only partly affected (the front and middle layers), a partial-thickness corneal transplant is recommended. In this surgery, only damaged layers are removed and not the entire cornea.
    • Endothelial Keratoplasty is performed when the innermost layer of the cornea is damaged.

3. How does one prepare for the surgery? Days or weeks before your surgery your eye doctor will help you to prepare for the surgery. If you are on some medication, let your doctor know about them, as you may need to stop taking some medicines prior to the surgery. Some lab tests may also be done to ensure you are in a condition to undergo the surgery. Ensure that someone takes you home after the surgery.

4. What does the surgery entail? The surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia. You will be awake but will be unable to feel anything. You will be able to go home the same day.

10 Things To Know About Corneal Transplant

5. How much time will it take to recover? After the surgery, you will be asked to wear an eye patch for a couple of days. In some instances, it may hurt a little. You will be given eye drops to reduce the inflammation and avoid infection. For the next couple of weeks, you have to visit your eye doctor to ensure that your body has accepted the donated cornea and there is no infection. Your eye doctor will tell you when you can start normal activities.

6. Can eyes reject the donated cornea? A corneal transplant is a fairly safe procedure but like any other surgery, it involves a couple of risks. Your body may reject the donated tissue. In that case, you may need tissue from a different donor. However, the chances of rejection are very low.

7. What are the signs of rejection? Your body can reject the donated cornea after years of transplant surgery and, thus, it is crucial to know the signs of rejection. Redness, pain and watering of the operated eyes are the first few signs of rejection. If you notice any of the signs, consult your eye doctor that very day.  Avoid the temptation of postponing it for another day.

8. Can a person donate the donated cornea after his/her death? If the cornea is healthy, then the deceased could indeed donate their cornea.

9. How long will the donated tissue last? A cornea transplant usually lasts for a lifetime if the body does not reject the donated tissue.

10. Will the vision change? You have to wait for weeks for vision to improve and your prescription glasses or contact lens may need to be adjusted.

Want to consult some of the best eye specialists in West Bengal regarding corneal transplant?

Visit Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the top eye hospitals in West Bengal. You can trust us with genuine advice and treatment.

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What Is Corneal Laceration? And its Symptoms

What Is Corneal Laceration? And its Symptoms

Corneas are our front window to the world of vision. Any damage to them can be not just uncomfortable but can also cause loss of vision, if left untreated for long. A corneal laceration is one such issue that should not be taken lightly. Corneal laceration occurs when something hits the eye with a significant force like a ball or metallic rod, causing a cut on the cornea. Corneal lacerations are typically caused by tree branches, metallic objects or some sharp objects. One can prevent such accidents by wearing protective eyewear, especially while working in the garden or playing a sport.

What Is Corneal Laceration And its Symptoms

How is corneal laceration different from corneal abrasion?

Though corneal abrasion and corneal laceration sound similar, on a closer look you will find that the two are different. Corneal abrasions are usually caused by minor accidents like scratches caused by fingernails or contact lenses or when foreign objects like dirt, sand, or sawdust get stuck in your eyes. If you rub your eyes too vigorously, you may cause corneal abrasions. However, a corneal laceration is an actual cut and not just a scratch on the cornea. It is deeper than corneal abrasion and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of corneal laceration:-

  • You will feel severe pain and will have a sensation that something is in your eyes
  • The injury will make your eyes teary
  • You may also find notice blood in the eye. This depends upon the nature of the injury
  • You may suddenly experience blurred vision or decreased vision
  • You may also find natural or artificial light too harsh

Diagnosis:-

If you think you have symptoms of a corneal laceration, then you must see an ophthalmologist on an urgent basis. After a complete eye examination, your ophthalmologist can tell you the severity of the injury. For a complete eye examination, your ophthalmologist may put numbing eye drops so that your eyes can remain open during the examination. Depending upon whether it’s a partial thickness or full thickness laceration, the doctor will suggest the course of action.

Book appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata

If you notice any symptoms of corneal laceration, consult the best eye doctor in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals. We are committed to providing right eye care solutions at an affordable cost. To book an appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us.  You can also book an appointment through WhatsApp (9433311111).

What should you do?

If you think you have corneal laceration, you must immediately seek medical help. A corneal laceration is a serious injury that should not be ignored as it can lead to loss of vision. However, by the time you reach the eye hospital make sure you don’t aggravate your injury:

  • Cover your eyes with an eye shield or a pair of sunglasses
  • Do not rinse your eyes with water. The foreign object that may be in your eyes may go further, causing more damage
  • If you think something is stuck in your eyes, do not try to remove it on your own
  • Do not apply pressure on your eyes with your hands as this can make the injury worse
  • Don’t take any painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or other non-steroidal drugs. These medicines cause the blood to thin and may increase your bleeding.
  • See an eye doctor at the earliest.

Treatment:-

Usually, surgery is done to treat a corneal laceration. The doctor will close the cut where the object struck and remove any foreign object that is still stuck in the eye. The doctor may also recommend some medications and some eye drops to ensure that there’s no infection. You may be advised to wear a patch for a few days. If your injury is severe then the doctor may recommend several surgeries.

Followup:-

Often a corneal laceration puts you at a higher risk of developing other eye complications like retinal detachment and thus it’s very crucial that you follow up with your eye doctor.

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Top Causes of Eye Pain

Experiencing pain in the eyes, at times, is common for everybody. However, if the pain persists, it is signalling trouble. Apart from physical eye injuries such as black eye (eye swelling) and corneal abrasion, there are tons of eye complications that have eye pain as a symptom.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your eyes, do not ignore it and instead seek medical help. You can consult with one of our eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospital, a renowned eye hospital in West Bengal. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

Top causes of eye pain

Here are some of the eye complications that cause eye pain:

1) Dry eyes: Dry eyes is one of the most common causes of eye pain. The eye condition occurs when there’s a lack of sufficient or quality lubrication in the eyes due to decreased tear production. In some people, the condition occurs when there’s an imbalance in the tear makeup or increased tear evaporation.

Apart from eye pain, foreign sensation in the eyes, blurred vision and eye tiredness are some of the other symptoms of dry eyes. Some of the common risk factors of the eye complication include lack of sufficient nutrition in diet, wearing contact lenses, using electronic gadgets (phone, laptops, TVs) for long periods, and aging. Eye drops and nutritional supplements are two common treatment options for dry eyes.

2) Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious eye complication that causes eye pain as one of its symptoms. Glaucoma occurs when the pressure in the eye increases due to the build-up of fluid in the anterior chamber. If left uncontrolled, the increased eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve. This, in turn, can lead to loss of vision. Some of the biggest risk factors of Glaucoma include diabetes, trauma to the eyes, being at the age of 40 or older, and family history of the eye complication. The two common treatment options, eye drops and surgery, are aimed at lowering eye pressure.

3) Abrasions: Accidental injuries to the eyes also cause eye pain; abrasions caused by foreign objects are the most common types of eye injuries. Eye makeup applicators, contact lenses, fingernails, jagged objects/toys, and particles from the wind are the common factors that cause abrasion to the cornea. Although the cornea can heal itself, it is crucial to seek professional treatment to lower the risk of eye infections. It is not possible to entirely prevent corneal abrasion. However, you can lower the risks by taking measures such as wearing protective eyewear when working in a workshop and playing outdoor sports.

4) Endophthalmitis: Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation inside the eyes caused by an infection. There are two types of endophthalmitis, exogenous endophthalmitis, and endogenous endophthalmitis. Exogenous endophthalmitis results when cuts to the eye from an external source cause infection. On the other hand, endogenous endophthalmitis occurs when infection from another part of the body travels to the eyes. Some of the common symptoms of eye complication include eye pain, eye redness, & swollen eyelids.

5) Uveitis: Uveitis occurs when there’s inflammation in the pigmented lining of the eye. The inflammation can result from an autoimmune disorder, an injury, or an infection. Eye pain, loss of vision, and eye redness are some of the common symptoms of the eye complication. If left untreated, Uveitis can cause permanent damage to the eyes and lead to vision impairment. Eye drops, drugs, and surgery are three treatment options for Uveitis.

Maintain good eye health with Disha Eye Hospital

We are committed to ensuring good eye health for everybody through our quality and affordable eye care services. We offer treatment for Glaucoma, Cataracts, Uveitis, and Diabetic retinopathy in Kolkata.

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8 Facts on Cornea and Corneal Disease

8 facts on cornea and corneal disease

The cornea, apart from being one of the main components of the eye, is sensitive and prone to complications. Maintaining a good eye health goes a long way in keeping the cornea healthy and lowering the risks of corneal diseases.

These 8 interesting facts about cornea and corneal disease can help you take better care of your eyes:

1. Where is the cornea located in the eye?

The cornea is located in the outermost dome-shaped layer of the eyes. Cornea covers the front part of the eyes and plays a crucial role in focus of the vision.

2. The cornea is a highly organised tissue:

The cornea may seem a clear covering but the tissue is much more than that as it is made up of three multiple layers, including Epithelium, Bowman’s Layer, Stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and Endothelium.

3. Tears are important to the cornea:

The cornea is different from most of the other tissues in the body; it doesn’t contain any blood vessel which can nourish it. Instead, it’s the aqueous humor and tears that nourish the cornea.

Every time we blink, the tears get distributed across the cornea to keep the eyes moist, protect against infection, and help heal wounds.

4. Importance of cornea:

One of the main purposes of the cornea is to focus light on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The cornea refracts the incoming light onto the lens which, in turn, refocuses to the retina. Apart from redirecting light, the cornea protects the lens and the retina from the harmful ultraviolet rays present in sunlight. The cornea also provides an overall protection to the eyes by acting as a barrier against germs, dirt, and other particles.

5. The cornea can heal itself:

The cornea can heal in its own from minor scratches and injuries. However, serious injuries can cause scarring in the cornea which, in turn, can lead to vision impairment. Some of the common implications of serious injuries in the cornea include:

  • Reduced vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain in the eye
  • Headache
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Inflammation in the eye
  • Redness in the eye

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can consult with our eye specialists in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospital. To book an appointment, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.

6. Different types of corneal diseases:

There are various disorders that affect the cornea. Some of the common ones include Keratitis, Corneal Ulcer, Keratoconus, Bullous Keratopathy, Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy, Recurrent Corneal Erosion, Corneal Perforation, Corneal Neovascularisation, Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome, and Corneal Dystrophy.

7. Common causes of corneal disorders:

There are several causes of corneal disorders. The common ones include infections, trauma, allergies, thinning (Ectasia), nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders. Damages to the cornea can also be caused by common eye conditions such as glaucoma, eyelid disorders, and dry eye (tear film abnormalities).

8. Complications of corneal disorders:

Corneal disorders, if not treated, can worsen and lead to complications such as eye pain and vision loss. If you have a corneal disorder, it is crucial to review the treatment options with an eye specialist.

Taking good care of your eyes doesn’t have to cost a lot

At Disha Eye Hospital, some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata, come together and strive to improve eye health of people from all walks of life. Learn more about the eye care services we offer at http://www.dishaeye.org/.