- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: February 12, 2025
At Blue Fin Vision®, our Harley Street eye clinic in London, we’re committed to providing expert care for all aspects of ocular health, including corneal diseases. The cornea, the clear front layer of your eye, plays a crucial role in focusing vision and protecting your eye from harm. When corneal diseases occur, they can significantly impact your vision and overall eye health. This comprehensive guide will explore the various types of corneal diseases, their symptoms, and available treatments.
Understanding Corneal Disease
Corneal diseases encompass a group of conditions that affect the cornea, potentially leading to vision impairment or loss if left untreated. These conditions can cause the cornea to become cloudy, distorted, or scarred, interfering with its ability to focus light properly.
Common Types of Corneal Diseases
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is one of the most prevalent corneal dystrophies in the UK. This progressive condition typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape.
Symptoms include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
- Difficulty with night driving
Fuchs’ Dystrophy
Fuchs’ dystrophy is an inherited condition that usually affects older adults. It occurs when the corneal endothelial cells begin to deteriorate, leading to corneal swelling and vision problems.
Key symptoms:
- Blurred vision, often worse in the morning
- Glare and halos around lights
- Painful, tiny blisters on the cornea
- Cloudy vision
Corneal Infections (Keratitis)
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that can result from various causes, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. It can also occur due to injury or improper contact lens use.
Common symptoms:
- Eye pain and redness
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Difficulty opening the eye
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
Corneal Dystrophies
Corneal dystrophies are a group of inherited eye disorders characterised by abnormal material buildup in the cornea. There are over 20 types, each affecting different layers of the cornea.
General symptoms may include:
- Cloudy or hazy vision
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Recurrent corneal erosions
Recognising Symptoms of Corneal Disease
While symptoms can vary depending on the specific condition, some common signs that may indicate a corneal problem include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eye
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- The sensation of something in your eye
- Changes in vision, such as seeing halos around lights
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult an eye specialist promptly. At Blue Fin Vision® in London, our expert team can provide a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose and address any corneal issues.
Diagnosing Corneal Diseases
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At our Harley Street eye clinic, we utilise state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess corneal health:
- Slit-lamp examination: A microscope with a bright light allows detailed examination of the cornea’s structure.
- Corneal topography: This non-invasive imaging technique creates a 3D map of the cornea’s surface, helping detect irregularities.
- Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, crucial for diagnosing conditions like keratoconus.
- Specular microscopy: Evaluates the health of corneal endothelial cells, particularly useful in diagnosing Fuchs’ dystrophy.
Treatment Options for Corneal Diseases
Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. At Blue Fin Vision®, we offer a range of options tailored to each patient’s needs:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Prescription eyedrops: To manage inflammation, reduce swelling, or treat infections.
- Specialised contact lenses: Including rigid gas-permeable lenses or scleral lenses for keratoconus.
- Corneal cross-linking: A minimally invasive procedure to strengthen the cornea, often used in early-stage keratoconus.
Surgical Interventions
- Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK): Uses an excimer laser to remove corneal opacities or smooth its surface.
- Corneal transplant: Partial or full-thickness transplantation of donor corneal tissue for advanced cases.
- Artificial cornea implantation: An option when traditional transplants are not suitable.
Preventing Corneal Diseases
While some corneal conditions are inherited, you can take steps to protect your corneal health:
- Practice good hygiene: Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses or touching your eyes.
- Use proper eye protection: Wear safety glasses during activities that risk eye injury.
- Follow contact lens care instructions: Clean and replace lenses as directed by your eye care professional.
- Maintain regular eye check-ups: Early detection can prevent or slow the progression of many corneal diseases.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for Corneal Care?
At Blue Fin Vision®, our Harley Street eye clinic in London offers:
- Expert specialists: Our team includes corneal experts with extensive experience in diagnosing and managing corneal diseases.
- Advanced technology: We utilise the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies for precise care.
- Personalised treatment plans: We tailor our approach to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.
- Comprehensive care: From initial diagnosis to long-term management, we provide continuous support throughout your eye health journey.
Take Action for Your Eye Health
Corneal diseases can significantly impact your vision and quality of life, but with early detection and proper management, many conditions can be effectively treated. If you’re experiencing any changes in your vision or eye comfort, don’t hesitate to seek professional care.
Contact Blue Fin Vision® today to schedule a comprehensive eye examination at our London Harley Street clinic. Let us help you maintain clear vision and optimal eye health for years to come.
