Cornea and external diseases

CORNEA is the eye’s outermost transparent layer. It plays an important part in focussing an object during visualisation. Cornea along with conjunctiva and eyelids forms a barrier against the external environment.

The thickness of cornea is measured by Pachymetry.

Human Eye Anatomy

Following are the major diseases the fall under this purview:

Infections: This includes styes, cellulitis, acute conjunctivitis or eye flu, trachoma, corneal ulcers, etc.

Allergic eye diseases: This includes Spring catarrh or Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, Seasonal allergic conjunctivitits, Giant papillary conjunctivitits, etc.

Ocular surface disorders: Include Dry eyes, Pterygium, Chemical injuries, Steven Johnson Syndrome, etc.

Ocular surface tumours

Refractive errors: Discussed in….

Keratoconus: This is a degenerative progressive condition in which the cornea thins and gradually bulges leading to blurring of vision. Diagnosis is confirmed byPentacam or Corneal topography (Orbscan). The following procedures are offered to Keratoconus patients depending on the severity of the disease: Glasses, Speacial Contact lenses, Intacs, C3R or Corneal transplant.

Corneal collagen cross- linking with riboflavin ( CXL or C3R) is a very promising procedure to arrest the development of Keratoconus.

Other procedures done by urincude Pterygium excision with conjuntival grafting and Amniotic membrane transplantation or Mucous membrane transplation for surface disorders.