Eye condition

Corneal Scarring

Scarring after infection, injury, inflammation or other corneal disease that can reduce clarity or cause irregular vision — and how it is assessed and treated.

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What is corneal scarring?

A corneal scar is an area where the normally clear corneal tissue has healed with reduced transparency or an irregular surface. A scar can be small and have little effect on vision, or it can significantly reduce vision if it lies near the centre of the cornea or changes the way light is focused.

What causes corneal scarring?

Previous corneal infection or ulcer
Eye injury, foreign body or chemical injury
Herpes simplex or herpes zoster affecting the cornea
Advanced keratoconus
Severe inflammation of the cornea
Previous eye surgery or corneal procedures
Long-standing surface disease or poor healing

Symptoms of a corneal scar

Blurred or hazy vision
Glare or halos
Reduced contrast
Irregular astigmatism
Ghosting or distorted images
Light sensitivity
Visible white or cloudy area on the cornea in some cases

How is corneal scarring assessed?

Your ophthalmologist will examine the location, depth and density of the scar and assess how much it is affecting vision. Refraction, corneal topography or tomography, anterior-segment imaging and corneal thickness measurements may be used to guide treatment planning.

Treatment for corneal scarring

Treatment depends on the depth and location of the scar and whether the cornea is otherwise healthy.

Glasses may help when the scar causes only a regular change in prescription.
Rigid or scleral contact lenses may improve vision when scarring causes an irregular corneal surface.
Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) may be considered for selected superficial scars.
A partial- or full-thickness corneal transplant may be considered for deeper or central scarring that causes significant visual impairment.
If an active infection or inflammation is present, this must be treated before considering visual rehabilitation.

Can a corneal scar fade?

Some scars become less noticeable as the cornea heals, especially after the original inflammation has settled. However, deeper scars may remain. The effect on vision depends more on the scar’s location and optical impact than on how noticeable it looks in a mirror.

FAQ

Common questions.

Sometimes. If the scar creates a regular refractive error, glasses may help. If the surface is irregular, a rigid or scleral contact lens may provide better optical correction.

PTK can remove or smooth selected superficial corneal scars. It is not suitable for every scar, particularly if the scar is deep or the cornea is thin.

A corneal transplant may be considered when a scar is deep or central and vision cannot be improved adequately with glasses, contact lenses or more conservative treatment.

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