The cornea is the transparent dome-shaped window at the front of your eye, playing a vital role in your vision.
It is the first line of defence and primary focusing surface, responsible for about 65-75% of your eye’s optical power.
But do you know if this defensive mechanism doesn’t function properly, then what happens?
In this blog, the best eye hospital in Kolkata will dive deep into the signs of an abnormal cornea and its causes and discuss why immediate action is required.
What is the role of your Cornea?
The cornea serves three critical purposes:
- Protection: It shields your eye from dust, germs, and harmful UV rays.
- Focus: The cornea bends (refracts) light onto the retina to produce clear images.
- Transparency: Its clarity allows light to pass through unobstructed.
Being extremely crucial for our eyes, even minor abnormalities can lead to significant vision issues.
The 8 warning signs of abnormal cornea by the best eye hospital in Kolkata-
- Blurred Vision– Experiencing persistent blurriness or wavy vision can signal that the cornea’s shape or clarity is compromised, causing distorted vision.
- Light Sensitivity- Experiencing extreme sensitivity to light may indicate inflammation, swelling or infections affecting your cornea.
- Changes in the Cornea– Remember, the cornea should be crystal clear. Experiencing cloudiness, white spots, or scarring can stem from corneal dystrophies or ulcers.
- Constant Eye Discomfort– Mild pain or scratchy sensation often points to corneal abrasions, infections, or other abnormalities.
- Chronic Dryness– Experiencing irritation or excessive tearing is a sign of tear film imbalance can be seen in dry eye syndrome or structural corneal changes.
- Foreign-Body Sensation– A Feeling of something in the eye means your cornea is inflamed, scratched, or infected.
- Halos, Poor Night Vision, or Glare- Damaged corneas scatter light entering the eye, causing halos, starbursts, and can cause trouble driving at night.
- Recurrences-Experiencing recurrent redness, irritation, or infected eyes may be a sign of underlying corneal disorders like herpetic keratitis or dystrophies.
What are the causes behind Corneal Abnormalities?
- Injury or Trauma– Scar, scratches, debris, or chemical exposure of the cornea.
- Infections- Bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections.
- Genetic Conditions– Hereditary or keratoconus conditions.
- Misuse of Contact Lens– Can lead to thinning or ectasia conditions.
- Autoimmune or Systematic Disease– Conditions like Down syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis may cause corneal issues.
- Environmental Factors– UV exposure, nutritional deficiencies, or ageing can also play a role in this.
When to seek an eye specialist at the best eye hospital in Kolkata?
Seek help immediately if you experience:
- Sudden vision changes
- Severe eye pain
- A white spot on the cornea
- Persistent redness or discharge
Know the Treatment options that you can opt for …
- Medications: Antibiotic/antiviral drops, lubricants, steroids
- Cross-linking: Strengthens cornea, slows keratoconus progression
- Scleral or RGP lenses: Help reshape vision in keratoconus
- Intacs inserts: Implanted rings to flatten cone-shaped corneas
- Laser surgery/Transplant: For scars or advanced dystrophies
What are the preventive measures you can take to protect your cornea?
- Use protective eyewear during sports, yard or workshop activities
- Maintain strict hygiene with contact lenses
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially with allergies or dryness
- Protect from UV with sunglasses; ensure a vitamin-rich diet (A, C, omega‑3)
- Schedule routine eye exams annually or as advised by your ophthalmologist.
So, you see how vital your cornea is for your eyes!
If you notice any persistent changes- be it blurriness, pain, tearing, or sensitivity- you should never ignore these signs.
Remember, early detection is the key to managing corneal issues effectively.
To learn more about the cornea or the treatment of the cornea, visit the best eye hospital in Kolkatahttps://asmiieye.com/ and get yourself treated by the best eye specialist in Kolkata.