Corneal disorders

| Its peculiarity is the transparency that is achieved by the absence of blood vessels, achieving the supply of oxygen and nutrients from the tear and by the extremely precise distribution of the keratocytes.

The transparency of the cornea is often threatened by scar processes that destroy the interior of the cornea (stroma). Another basic factor for transparency is the dehydration relative to the cornea, which is achieved by the "pumping" action of the cells of the innermost layer (endothelial cells), which are characterized by not reproducing. Any trauma or degeneration that involves a significant loss of the number of these cells can cause a swelling of the cornea (edema) that clouds its transparency.

It is logical to intuit that due to its eminently optical characteristics, severe corneal pathology will affect vision. Likewise, the cornea is characterized by a rich innervation of branches of the Trigeminal Nerve, which is why it is a structure that can produce a foreign body sensation (brush) or intense pain when damaged.

Corneal pathology

The pathology of the cornea more important is the traumatic, being frequent corneal erosions and embedded foreign bodies, linked to accidents at work or DIY. The main symptom in these cases is the sensation of a foreign body (pain when blinking) and pain due to the inflammation of the pupil that is usually reflected to the eyebrow area. The treatment consists of the extraction of the foreign body and oxide, if any, and the occlusion of the eye with antibiotic ointment to facilitate healing by avoiding rubbing caused by blinking.

Another important chapter, especially in contact lens wearers, is the Infectious Pathology. The corneal epithelium acts as a protective barrier against external pathogens. The deterioration of this barrier can favor the invasion of deeper layers of the cornea by bacteria that may belong to the conjunctival flora or contaminate contact lenses or their preservative liquids. The presence of a Bacterial Cornial Ulcer compromises vision depending on its location with respect to the visual axis. The most serious degree of this entity occurs when the germ gains access to the interior of the globe, producing a very serious infection called Endophthalmitis, with dire consequences.

In addition to bacteria, other pathogens such as fungi, amoebae or especially the Herpes Simplex Virus that produces recurrent ulcers when the one ganglion of the Trigeminal Nerve is cantoned for life.

Treatment of corneal disorders

Regarding the treatment of corneal ulcers, they require very concentrated and frequent doses of antibiotics eye drops. Corneal herpes is treated with acyclovir associated or not with topical corticosteroids. The treatment of scar opacities that compromise vision go through to restore transparency.

Within the «chronic» pathology of the cornea, the Superficial Punctate Keratitis. They are multiple and small wounds on the corneal surface (epithelium), which are associated with states of tear insufficiency (Dry Eye Syndrome) or continuous attacks on the cornea, for example, by chlorine in swimming pools, by preservatives or active principles of eye drops in prolonged treatments, for example the toxicity of germs of the conjunctiva or eyelids, due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, etc. The clinic consists of the sensation of "grit" and the minor or major visual affectation depending on its extension and location. Treatment consists of avoiding the toxic agent and lurinate with artificial tears.