Corneal diseases include keratoconus, infections and ulcers, scars, dystrophies, degenerations and ocular surface disorders. Common symptoms are pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity and watering. Treatment ranges from medication and speciality contact lenses to cross-linking and corneal transplantation, depending on the layer and severity involved.
An overview of corneal disease
\nBecause the cornea provides most of the eye's focusing power, corneal diseases can affect vision out of proportion to their size. They are best understood by where they sit: on the surface, within the corneal layers, or at its inner pump layer.
\nMajor categories
\n| Category | Examples | Typical features |
|---|---|---|
| Ectatic (shape) disorders | Keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration | Progressive thinning and irregular astigmatism; changing glasses |
| Infections | Bacterial, viral (herpes), fungal, acanthamoeba keratitis | Painful red eye, light sensitivity, ulcer; urgent care needed |
| Dystrophies | Epithelial basement membrane, stromal, Fuchs endothelial dystrophy | Inherited, often bilateral; recurrent erosions or gradual clouding |
| Degenerations | Pterygium, band keratopathy, Salzmann degeneration | Acquired over time; may irritate or blur vision |
| Scars & trauma | Post-infection or post-injury opacity | Stable whitish opacity; effect depends on location |
| Ocular surface disease | Dry eye, allergic disease, limbal stem cell deficiency | Burning, grittiness, fluctuating vision, surface breakdown |
Shared warning symptoms
\n- Pain, redness or persistent foreign-body sensation
- Blurred, distorted or fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity and watering
- Discharge, or a visible white/grey spot on the cornea
How the cause is identified
\nDiagnosis combines a slit-lamp examination with imaging — topography, tomography and pachymetry for shape and thickness — and, when infection is suspected, laboratory testing of corneal samples. Many corneal diseases look similar to the naked eye but need entirely different treatment, which is why imaging and, where needed, microbiology matter.
\nTreatment directions
\n- \n
- Shape disorders: glasses → speciality contact lenses → cross-linking → DALK/transplant in advanced disease. \n
- Infections: cause-directed antimicrobial therapy begun promptly; scarring may later need optical rehabilitation. \n
- Dystrophies/degenerations: lubrication, laser polishing (PTK) for selected superficial disease, or layer-specific transplantation (DALK/DSAEK) for deeper disease. \n
- Surface disease: tear-film directed therapy, anti-inflammatory treatment and, for stem cell failure, ocular surface reconstruction. \n
Individual pages in this section explain each condition in detail. For personal advice, book a corneal evaluation at Sentra Clinic & Hospital, Malad East, Mumbai.
Information on this page is for general education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personalised medical advice from a qualified eye-care professional.
FAQs: Corneal Diseases: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
Most are not. Some infections that involve the cornea or conjunctiva can spread between people or between eyes, so hygiene advice from your doctor should be followed carefully.
Untreated infections, advanced keratoconus and dense scars can permanently reduce vision. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment greatly improve the outlook for most corneal conditions.
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