February Newsletter: How Your Ophthalmologist Can Help Treat Corneal Disorders

How Your Ophthalmologist Can Help Treat Corneal Disorders

The cornea plays an important role in vision. The rounded tissue bends light as it enters the eye, ensuring that your vision remains sharp and clear. Pain and vision issues can occur if you have a condition or disorder that affects the cornea. Fortunately, your ophthalmologist offers helpful treatments designed to relieve discomfort and protect your vision.

Types of Corneal Disorders and Treatments

Corneal disorders range from mild to severe and may cause temporary or permanent vision changes. Common types of corneal disorders and conditions include:

Corneal Abrasion. Corneal abrasions happen when the cornea is scratched or damaged by foreign objects, including fingernails, makeup brushes, sand, dust, or even tree branches. Dry eye increases your risk for corneal abrasions, as it's easier to scratch the cornea if your eyes are too dry.

Corneal Abrasion Treatment. Without treatment, you could develop ulcers on your cornea or infections that scar the cornea. Ophthalmologists treat corneal abrasions with antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and moisturizing eye drops to improve comfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and eye drops that widen the pupil can decrease pain. In some cases, your eye doctor may give you a bandage contact lens to protect the cornea while it heals.

Corneal Erosion. Erosions occur when the top layer of the cornea separates from the underlying layers. This can happen if your eyelid sticks to your cornea when you wake up in the morning, your eyelids don't close completely when you sleep, your cornea is injured, or you wear poorly fitting contact lenses.

Corneal Erosion Treatment. Your ophthalmologist may recommend using artificial tears and ointments to keep your eyes moist, particularly at night. Antibiotics or bandage contact lenses may be helpful as the erosion heals. In some cases, superficial keratectomy, a procedure that removes the outer layer of the cornea, or anterior stromal puncture may be helpful. Tiny holes placed in the outer layer of the cornea help it bind to the underlying layers during the anterior stromal puncture procedure.

Corneal Ulcer. A corneal ulcer (or keratitis) is a painful open sore on your cornea. Ulcers may be caused by bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections. You may be more likely to develop a corneal ulcer if you have an eye injury, dry eye, don't practice good contact lens hygiene, wear your contact lenses too long, or swim in water contaminated with parasites, fungi, or bacteria.

Corneal Ulcer Treatment. Artificial tears can help keep your eye comfortable while your cornea heals. Prescription eye drops or medication may be needed if the condition is caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites.

Keratoconus. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and become cone-shaped. The abnormal shape of the cornea interferes with its ability to refract light and can cause blurry vision, light sensitivity, and problems with glare. About 10 percent of people with keratoconus also have a parent with the disorder, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Other risk factors include rubbing the eyes excessively, connective tissue disorders, Down syndrome, and allergies that cause inflammation in the eye.

Keratoconus Treatment. During the early stages of keratoconus, you may need more frequent updates to your eyeglass or soft contact lens prescriptions. Rigid contact lenses may be needed to provide sharp vision as the condition progresses. Other treatments include Intacs, curved inserts surgically placed in the cornea to flatten it, and corneal cross-linking (CXL). During the CXL procedure, your ophthalmologist removes the outer layer of the cornea, puts vitamin B eye drops in your eyes, and uses a special UV light that links new collagen layers in the cornea. The procedure strengthens, stiffens, and flattens the cornea. In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be needed.

Corneal Dystrophies. Corneal dystrophies occur when abnormal deposits build up in the cornea. The dystrophies are often inherited. Fuchs Dystrophy, the most common type, affects more women than men and happens when cells in the cornea die, according to MedlinePlus. People who have corneal dystrophies are more likely to develop corneal erosions.

Corneal Dystrophy Treatment. Treatment varies depending on the type of dystrophy, but may include eye drops, ointments, antibiotics and contact lenses to protect the cornea. Corneal transplants may be needed to restore vision in severe cases.

Are you concerned about a corneal disorder? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the ophthalmologist.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Corneal Abrasion and Erosion, 12/2/2025

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-corneal-abrasion

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Keratoconus?, 1/6/2026

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-keratoconus

MedlinePlus: Fuch's Dystrophy, 8/5/2024

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007295.htm

National Eye Institute: Corneal Conditions, 8/6/2025

https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/corneal-conditions