What is the Cornea?

The cornea is the clear outer layer that protects your eye. It is a barrier against dirt, germs and anything that can damage your eye.

Conditions that Affect the Cornea

Common corneal conditions include:

  • Injuries
  • Allergies, which can cause allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Keratitis, swelling and redness of the cornea
  • Keratoconus, in which the cornea thins and forms a cone shape
  • Dry eye
  • Corneal dystrophies, which cause cloudy vision when material builds up on the cornea

Other less common conditions that affect the cornea include shingles, ocular herpes, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, pterygium and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Who is at Risk for Corneal Conditions?

Some corneal conditions run in families. Corneal dystrophies are one example.

Using contact lens can cause infections in the cornea, such as keratitis. Always clean, disinfect and store your lenses as directed to help prevent eye problems.

Treating Corneal Disease

Treatment of corneal disease depends on the condition. Guthrie’s cornea specialists treat common ailments such as dry eye and pink eye, and perform advanced surgery for more complex issues. Learn more here.

Make an appointment by calling 800-4-SIGHT-2 (800-474-4482).

Guthrie Specialty Eye Care’s team of ophthalmologists and optometrists diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions affecting the cornea, from dry eye to more complex issues.