5 Major Eye Infections That Can Lead To Permanent Corneal Blindness
The cornea plays a crucial role in vision. Injuries or diseases to this part of the eye can cause visual distortions and even lead to blindness. Below are five primary eye conditions that can lead to corneal blindness.
Cornea & Its Diseases
The cornea is the clear front part of the eye that reflects light. It also acts as a barrier and protects the eye’s internal components from dust particles and harmful bacteria. This part of the eye is also capable of filtering UV rays up to a certain extent.
Epithelium, stroma, and endothelium are the three layers of the cornea. Corneal diseases are disorders or injuries that damage the cornea due to infections or other types of degenerations. These can result in scars and different types of discoloration that can distort the vision.
5 Major Eye Conditions That Can Lead To Corneal Blindness
1. Keratitis
Keratitis is a corneal inflammation that occurs due to infection by bacteria or fungi. During an injury, these microorganisms can enter the eye and affect the cornea. Keratitis is a common eye condition and can be experienced by contact lens wearers more frequently. The symptoms include;
- Red eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Eye discharge
- Blurry eyes
- Excessive tearing
It is essential to take treatments for keratitis condition, as it can worsen over time. Your eye consultant will prescribe eye drops or oral medications to treat the disease.
2. Ocular Herpes
Eye herpes is an eye condition caused by a virus named herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can extend to the middle layers of the cornea, causing severe damage, leading to vision loss or blindness. It is the most common cause of corneal blindness. The symptoms include;
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Redness
- Corneal tearing
Immediate antiviral treatment is required for ocular herpes condition. Eye drops, ointment, or drugs can help minimize cornea damage and vision loss. Even though herpes cannot be completely cured, the damage can be minimized with proper medication during each outbreak.
3. Keratoconus
This is a condition where the cornea gets thin over time and changes its shape. The problem usually causes irregular astigmatism and nearsightedness. Keratoconus can lead to scarring and swelling of the cornea, causing vision loss. A few reasons behind the cause are;
- Eye trauma
- Eye diseases
- Hereditary conditions
The condition’s initial stages can be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses, whereas severe stages require corneal transplantation.
4. Shingles
Herpes zoster or shingles is the chickenpox virus’s return where it remains inactive within the body nerves. They travel down these nerves affecting different parts of the body, which includes the eye. It can cause blisters or lesions on the cornea. Symptoms include;
- Fever
- Pain
Generally, anti-viral treatments are provided to treat the condition. Chronic conditions may require the use of eye drops for extended periods or the need for corneal surgery.
5. Fuch’s Dystrophy
This is a gradual deterioration of the corneal endothelium, the innermost layer of the cornea. This layer is involved in maintaining the corneal clarity acting as a fluid pump to remove excess water. When these cells weaken, swelling can occur, resulting in blurred vision. Haze and small blisters can appear, causing pain and irritation.
Eye drops, ointments, or corneal transplant surgery are required as treatment depending on the condition’s stage.
Paying attention to eye health can prevent the occurrence of corneal diseases by infections. You are required to avoid sharing eye makeup, contact solutions, and cases and practice daily hygiene practices to stay away from these contagious diseases.
Regular visits to the eye clinic can help prevent hereditary conditions with earlier diagnoses. Cornea Specialist in Dubai emphasized the importance of visiting them every six months as vision can be preserved with early detection and treatment.
Quironsalud is a Spanish clinic in Dubai, offering a wide range of treatments for eye problems through cutting-edge technologies. Contact us today or learn more about our services through our website.
