Corneal Opacity(Corneal Opacification; Cloudy Cornea)
by
Diane Stresing DefinitionCorneal opacity is a disorder of the cornea. The cornea is the transparent structure on the front of the eyeball. Corneal opacity is when the cornea becomes scarred. This reduces the light passing through the cornea to the retina and may cause the cornea to appear white or clouded over. CausesInfection, injury, or swelling of the eye are the most common causes of corneal opacity. Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chance of corneal opacity:
SymptomsCorneal opacity may cause:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. To prepare for a complete eye exam, your doctor may put drops in your eyes to numb them and to dilate your pupils. A specialized microscope will be used to focus a high-powered beam of light into your eye to examine the cornea and other structures in your eye. TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatments vary depending on the most likely cause of the scarring and how severe the scarring is. Treatments may include:
In some cases, scar tissue may be removed surgically. The surgery may be performed using a laser, called phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), if the scarring is close to the corneal surface. In more severe cases, a cornea transplant (keratoplasty) may be necessary. PreventionTo help reduce your chance of corneal opacity:
RESOURCES:American Optometric Association http://www.aoa.org Eye Health—American Academy of Ophthalmology http://www.eyesmart.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Ophthalmological Society http://www.cos-sco.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Congenital Corneal Opacities. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.aao.org/topic-detail/congenital-corneal-opacities-europe. Updated November 2015. Accessed December 14, 2017. Facts about the cornea and corneal disease. National Eye Institute website. Available at: https://nei.nih.gov/health/cornealdisease. Updated May 2013. Accessed December 14, 2017. Rangel TR. Sectoral keratitis and uveitis. Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed December 14, 2017. Williams K, Irani Y, Klebe S. Novel therapeutic approaches for corneal disease. Discov Med. 2013 May;15(84):291-9. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 3, 2018. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 12/20/2014 |
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