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13 Common eye corneal diseases

Common Corneal Eye Problems

Love tapping to ‘For Your Eyes Only’? It’s true, none of us would ever, even in their worst dreams, want to live a blind life. Eyes are as precious as our own life. Imagining life without eyes is dreadful. But given today’s hard core health statistical data, it implies that about 35 percent of the total world population is suffering from an eye problem. The most common among them is corneal diseases that affect the cornea or the outermost layer of the eyes. A quick look at 13 common corneal diseases will act as a prevention note for those who really care to ‘see’:

1. Allergies

The most common of the corneal diseases. Its symptoms include eye swelling, redness, itching, burning sensation and tearing. It isn’t serious enough to demand immediate medical attention, but it is better if you consult a doctor. Often eye allergies are also caused due to cosmetics as mascara, eye-creams and eye-liners. Such persons need to take special care if they are allergic to eye-makeup. If not treated on time, chances of contact lens and spectacles may increase. Eye-allergy can also be treated if eyes are kept away from contact of allergic cause.

2. Conjunctivitis

Also known as Pink Eye, it is a contractual disease, so persons need to be specially careful about not spreading this disease and avoid vision with a normal person. A black eye glass is of great help. It is commonly caused due to bacterial infections, dust, eye-ointments, contact lens. Its symptoms include redness, burning, swelling, itching of the conjunctiva, the membrane that protects the eyelids and prevents exposure of your eyeballs. In most cases medication isn’t needed, but personal care is, while if not curing easily, it’s better to consult an ophthalmologist.

3. Corneal Infections

As the name suggests, infection around cornea is generally caused due to the cornea being damaged due to bacterial infections or any kind of physical damage done to the cornea which often results in pain, inflammation of eyes, swelling, reduction in visual clarity and erosion of cornea. Medication is a must in case of such infection or there are chances where you may have to lose your eyesight in case you delay eye check up.

4. Dry Eye

Some people hate crying but little know that tears are elixir for eyes. They help keep our eyes clean, prevent eye-infection, and keep it moist. People who are Dry Eye victims miss out on the following advantages. Dry eye symptoms include a scratchy or pricky feeling in eyes, stinging and burning sensation. Dry Eye usually occurs in dry climates and can occur due to some pharmaceutical effect as nasal decongestants, sleeping pills. Artificial tears are the main cure of Dry Eye whereas ointments, glasses and avoiding dry climates can help.

5. Fuch’s Dystrophy

It is an uncommon disease that slowly makes its way to your eyes. Usually prevalent in women than men, it causes endothelial cells to gradually deteriorate and it usually forms blisters as symbol that are painful and can burst. The Fuch’s Dystrophy is characterized by a morning blurred vision that clears during the day and swelling signs appear round the eye. Immediate medical treatment is suggested if you come across these symptoms.

6. Herpes Zoster

Also known as Shingles, it is a viral infection caused by a virus sharing its name with the disease. This virus is also known to cause chickenpox. If you’ve ever had an encounter with chickenpox, beware, as you may likely fall prey to this disease. The virus of this disease is dormant and may become active at a later stage causing swelling, rashes and painful inflammations. Doctors usually prescribe oral anti-viral treatment as its cure. Once shingles are gone, corneal infections are sure to bother you.

7. Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome

Again a disease that is more prominent in women in middle ages than men, it is symbolized by visible changes in the iris, swelling of cornea and development of Glaucoma, a disease that can leave you with an impaired vision. The cause of this disease is unknown but it can be cured with corneal transplant.

8. Keratoconus

A disease that has its presence felt among teenagers and young adults. Keratoconus usually involves thinning of the middle cornea and its proximate causes are inheritance of corneal abnormality, eye injuries and diseases, Keratoconus affects the vision of both the eyes and can be temporarily cured by eye glasses. But it’s better to take steps at first than cure oneself with temporary steps.

9. Lattice Dystrophy

The storage of abnormal protein fibers in the stoma of eyes usually causes this disease, which create a lattice effect. In some people, these fibers are stored in the epithelium which can cause temporary vision problems. Some people may also require corneal transplants if they are affected by lattice dystrophy at an earlier age and haven’t received cure since. Lattice Dystrophy can also be found among lower aged children. Usually ointments and eye creams aid in its cure.

10. Map Dot Fingerprint Dystrophy

This Dystrophy develops when epithelium membrane develops abnormally as a result of which, the epithelial cells absorb nutrients as tears which in turn causes epithelial erosions. It usually affects old-age people and is said to traumatize both the eyes. It develops on its own and deteriorates gradually with time. Eye-drops and ointment help cure it.

11. Ocular Herpes

It is a disease that shows its signs if the Herpes virus attacks you and is the most common cause of corneal blindness. People usually have 50 percent chance of recurrence if attacked by this disease once. Immediate medical treatment is preferred with anti-viral drugs that prevent the virus from multiplying itself and damaging the cornea. Corneal blindness can be a consequence of this disease.

12. Pterygium

A pterygium is a pinkish shaped tissue that grows on the corneal walls. It usually continues growing throughout a person’s life, while in some cases it may stop growing after a particular age. It grows large in size that it engulfs the cornea affecting one’s vision. It’s more common in sunny climates. It has led doctors to believe that the harmful UV rays of the sun are its main cause. Usually it targets people in the 20-40 range who are infinitely exposed to the sun. It is visible and can be removed only with a surgery.

13. Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Also known as erythema multiforme major, it is a skin disorder that affects the eyes. Painful, blistery lesions on the skin that spreads to the eyes can cause serious eye problems as conjunctivitis, corneal blisters, erosion and holes. The cause is yet to be found out but sulfa drugs have been developed by scientists as a probable cure for this disease. It occurs more in men than women.

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