5 Main Types of Corneal Conditions

The cornea is one of the most important parts of the eye. It is the part that helps the eye properly focus and it helps our eyelids to close. In order to have a healthy eye, you need to have a healthy cornea.

The cornea is made up of proteins and cells important nerve endings. It’s the transparent part of the eye that helps to refract light.

Even a slight change to the cornea can affect your ability to see properly. If the cornea becomes less transparent, then your vision can become blurred. Corneal conditions can be benign or serious.

In this article, we’ll take you through the main types of corneal conditions and what you need to know about them. So keep on reading and we’ll walk you through everything that you will want to know!

1. Allergies

Practically everyone is affected by allergies in one way or another. Eye allergies are usually caused by smoke, pollen, and mold. Symptoms might include burning, redness, and itching. You might even feel that like there is something in your eye when there isn’t anything.

Eye drops can help with this condition. You should also avoid allergens.

2. Dry Eye

Dry eye can be extremely painful. When your eye is moist, it is able to remain clean and free of dirt. This will stop bacteria from getting into your eye.

You might experience redness, itching, hazy vision, and stinging in your eyes.

3. Infections

There are no blood vessels in the cornea. This can make it harder for your cornea to fight off infections. Corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis are two common eye infections.

A viral infection can include herpes simplex and herpes zoster. You might need to take antibiotics if you are suffering from an eye infection. This is why it’s so important that you always wash your hands before touching your face and eyes.

4. Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Shingles is an infection that’s caused by chickenpox. After someone gets chickenpox, it can be reactivated many years later. This can lead to a painful rash.

Older people tend to get shingles more often. After the shingles go away, corneal damage might appear.

5. Corneal Dystrophies

When you suffer from corneal dystrophy, some of the cornea’s clarity might change. Dystrophies are usually genetic and they progress gradually. If your corneal dystrophy is bad enough, you might want to get a cornea transplant.

The Importance of Knowing About the Main Types of Corneal Conditions

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of what the main types of corneal conditions are. As we can see, by practicing proper hygiene, you can help keep your eyes healthy and clear.

Getting regular eye appointments can also help you keep corneal issues at bay.

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