Corneal opacity is a disorder of the cornea, the transparent structure on the front of the eyeball, which can cause serious vision problems. Corneal opacity occurs when the cornea becomes scarred. This stops light from passing through the cornea to the retina and may cause the cornea to appear white or clouded over.
There are many causes of corneal opacity. In some cases, your doctor can recommend a treatment that will reverse the opacity and lessen your chance of needing additional treatment, such as surgery.
The following factors increase your chance of developing corneal opacity. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to corneal opacity. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions as well. If you experience any one of the following, see your eye doctor immediately:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including illnesses and injuries, and perform a physical exam.
To prepare for a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor may put drops in your eyes to numb them and to dilate the pupils. Your doctor will use a slit lamp (specialized microscope) to focus a high powered beam of light into your eye to examine the cornea and other structures in your eye.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatments vary depending on the most likely cause of the scarring and how severe the scarring is. Treatments may include:
In some cases, scar tissue may be removed surgically. The surgery may be performed using a laser, called phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), if the scarring is close to the corneal surface. In more severe cases, a cornea transplant may be necessary.
To help reduce your chance of developing corneal opacity, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Ophthalmology
http://www.aao.org
National Eye Institute
http://www.nei.nih.gov
The Cornea Research Foundation of America
http://www.cornea.org/index.html
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Optometrists
http://www.opto.ca/en/public
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
http://www.eyesite.ca
References:
Abelson MD, Sleeper A. Insights on anti-inflammatories: A look at what we know about the efficacy and safety of steroids and NSAIDs. Review of Ophthalmology website. Available at: http://www.revophth.com/index.asp?page=1_743.htm . Accessed August 31, 2005.
Ashaye AO, Oluleye TS. Pattern of corneal opacity in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ann of African Med. 2004;3:185-187. Available at: http://www.bioline.org.br/request?am04048 . Accessed August 31, 2005.
Mabey DCW, Solomon AW, Foster A. Trachoma. Lancet. 2003;362(9379):223-229.
Monino BJ. Inflammatory diseases of the peripheral cornea. Ophthalmol. 998;95(4): 463-472.
Rangel TR. Sectoral keratitis and uveitis. Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.uveitis.org/medical/articles/case/secker.html . Accessed August 14, 2005.
Wong AL, Weissman BA, Mondino BJ. Bilateral corneal neovascularization and opacification associated with unmonitored contact lens wear. Am J Ophthalmol . 2003;136(5):957-958.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Christopher Cheyer, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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