The cornea helps to focus light that comes into your eye onto the retina. Its nerves alert you to irritations that might harm your vision and eye health. It does not have blood vessels to give it nourishment. Rather, it gets the majority of its nourishment from the tears on the surface and the aqueous humor from inside your eye. The cornea has five layers. If an injury breaks through to a deeper layer, healing can take longer and may lead to blurred vision, sensitivity to light, pain, and tearing. A more serious injury will lead to corneal scarring. Because of the important role the cornea plays in your eyesight, it makes sense to know the different types of conditions that may affect it and the right Huntingdon Valley cornea treatment to get.
Eye Allergies
Allergies impact anyone. Often, eye allergies can be triggered by indoor allergens such as dander, mold, and dust, irritants such as perfume and smoke, as well as outdoor allergens such as pollen. These allergies can lead to itching, redness, watery discharge, and burning. It is important to eliminate the irritant to stop the allergy symptom.
Eye Infections
Infections can impact both eyes and any of their parts. The lack of blood vessels can make it hard for the cornea to fight infections. The cornea can suffer infections such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Sometimes, viruses may also strike it causing infections such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster, which can affect vision and comfort. Treatment for corneal infections depends on the kind of infection. However, typically treatment includes eye creams, eye drops, and antibiotics.
Dry Eye
Dry eyes can be persistent and quite painful for some people. Your tears wash away dirt and irritants as well as keep the surface of the eye moist and clean. In turn, this prevents possible irritation, infections, or damage. If your eye stops producing enough tears or quality tears, it can be hard for you to take part in daily activities. Dry eyes can develop because of allergies, skin disease, contact lenses, certain medications, and chemical or tobacco smoke exposure. Also, people who are more than 65 years old are at risk of dry eye.
Corneal Dystrophies
With these conditions, a piece of the regular clarity of the cornea changes because of a change in shape or an increase in cloudy-like material within your eye. Typically, these conditions are inherited and can impact both eyes. Their progression is often gradual. Treatment depends on the dystrophy and the seriousness of the condition. When detected early enough and you have not suffered symptoms, your doctor may monitor your condition to prevent it from progressing. If you experience symptoms, you may be prescribed ointments, laser treatment, or eye drops.
Herpes Zoster
This infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus or the common chickenpox virus. When contracted, the virus stays inactive within your central nervous system. Once reactivated, it can produce shingles. A weakened immune system and advanced age can increase the risk of developing herpes zoster.
