What Causes Irregular Corneas?
ccording to experts, human eye corneas account for approximately two-thirds of the eye’s total optical power. So it is easy to imagine the worry people experience once they learn they have an irregular cornea condition.
Such disorders are actually quite common and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Some diseases are inherited, some are caused by an injury and others just naturally occur.
Keratoconus is widely known to be a hereditary condition and generally becomes apparent during the teenage years. The disease causes irregular corneas by weakening the fibers of protein in the eye (collagen). The weak collagen looses its ability to hold the cornea into its round shape and as a result the cornea beings to bulge outwards, causing vision loss.
Fuchs’ Dystrophy is another example of an inherited cornea disease that slowly progresses over time. It causes the endothelium (cells that line the inside surface of the cornea) to deteriorate. The damaged cells then cause fluid to build up in the cornea, which causes significant vision disruption. Eye solution treatment is often successful for treating Fuchs’ Dystrophy, however, severe cases may render surgery in order to repair the endothelium.
Injuries to the eyes can cause irregular corneas as well. Specifically, failed laser surgery can result in severe corneal damage. LASIK, Photorefractive Keratectomy and Radial Keratotomy are generally successful treatment options for patients seeking vision correction although such operations always run the risk of complications that include, loss of contrast, vision fluctuation, double vision, dry eyes, star bursting or glare.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is another abnormal corneal disease. This can be caused by an allergic reaction to medication. SJS is a severe skin disorder that causes conjunctivitis, eye inflammation and even blisters and holes in the cornea.
The causes for some irregular corneal conditions are still unknown. Pellucid Marginal Degeneration, for example, is a degenerative corneal condition with an unclear epidemiology. There are also diseases like Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) that can be triggered by exposure to fungus or bacteria, allergic reactions or a virus.
Irregular corneal conditions are never pleasant but with the guidance of a contact lens specialists like Dr. Irwin Azman, the treatment process can be trusted and ensured for success. Global Complex Eye Care has in-depth experience dealing with patients who acquire abnormal corneas from multiple sources. The origination of the conditions all vary but the outcome with Dr. Azman’s patients always ends in satisfaction and relief.