Corneal Conditions

What are corneal conditions?

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye. It protects the eye and plays an important role in focusing light so you can see clearly. Because the cornea needs to remain smooth and transparent, conditions that change its shape, clarity or surface can affect vision and comfort.

Corneal conditions can develop because of inherited changes, ageing, injury, infection, inflammation, contact lens wear or problems with the tear film. Some cause gradual changes in vision, while others can become painful or require urgent treatment.

Common corneal conditions we assess

Keratoconus

A condition in which the cornea becomes thinner and changes from a rounded shape to a cone-like shape, causing blurred or distorted vision.

Corneal dystrophies

A group of usually inherited conditions that cause changes or deposits within one or more layers of the cornea.

Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy

A progressive condition affecting the inner corneal cells that remove fluid from the cornea, which can lead to swelling and cloudy vision.

Corneal scarring

Scarring after infection, injury, inflammation or other corneal disease that may reduce clarity or cause irregular vision.

Corneal ulcers

An open sore on the cornea, commonly associated with infection. This requires prompt assessment to protect vision.

Corneal infections

Bacterial, viral, fungal or other infections of the cornea that can cause pain, redness, light sensitivity and blurred vision.

Recurrent corneal erosion

Repeated breakdown of the outer corneal surface, often causing sudden pain during the night or on waking.

Pterygium

A benign wedge-shaped growth from the conjunctiva onto the cornea, often associated with long-term UV, wind and dust exposure.

Dry eye disease

A common condition in which the tear film does not adequately lubricate and protect the eye surface.

Symptoms that can occur with corneal conditions

• Blurred, cloudy or distorted vision
• Glare or halos around lights
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye pain, burning or stinging
• A gritty or foreign-body sensation
• Redness or watering
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Frequent changes in glasses prescription

How corneal conditions are diagnosed

Your assessment begins with your symptoms, medical history and a detailed examination of the front of the eye. Depending on the condition, testing may include vision and refraction measurements, slit-lamp examination, corneal topography or tomography, corneal thickness measurements, tear-film assessment, staining of the eye surface or, when infection is suspected, a sample from the cornea for laboratory testing.

Treatment for corneal disease

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Options may include lubricating or medicated eye drops, specialised contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, laser treatment to the corneal surface, removal of a pterygium or partial/full-thickness corneal transplantation. Your ophthalmologist will recommend treatment based on the health of your cornea and your visual needs.

When to seek urgent eye care

Seek urgent assessment for a painful red eye, sudden loss or reduction of vision, marked light sensitivity, an eye injury, or a red and painful eye while wearing contact lenses. Corneal infections and ulcers can progress quickly and may threaten vision.