Welcome to
Dr. Aleksic’s Cornea Site
Corneal Medical Conditions & Treatments
Before we discuss Corneal Conditions and Cornea Related Medical Treatments we need to understand what the Cornea is. Simply put, and from a physiological perspective, the Cornea is the clear outer layer found at the front of the eye. Its function is to assist the eye with focusing light so that you can see clearly.
Common Corneal Conditions
It is important to note that there are many Corneal Medical Conditions, however these are the most common and not all lead to permanent issues with vision:
Injuries
Although it is common for small abrasions on the cornea to heal on their own, this is not always the case with deeper scratches or serious eye injuries which cause corneal scarring and result in vision problems.
Allergies
An allergy to pollen or dust can irritate the eyes to the point that it causes allergic conjunctivitis, or as it is more commonly known - pink eye. This results in red, itchy, and watery eyes.
Keratitis
This is an inflammation of the cornea which results in redness and swelling of the eye. In most instances this type of Corneal Condition is the result of an infection caused by contact lenses.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes occur when the eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep, which results in discomfort and may in severe cases result in vision problems.
Corneal Dystrophies
This Corneal Condition occurs when material builds up on the Cornea and causes cloudy vision. Corneal Dystrophies can be genetic and usually run in families.
When am I at Risk of Corneal Conditions?
Corneal Conditions usually occur because of medical conditions or accidents. To help prevent this from happening it is recommended that good eye hygiene is observed and that the relevant precautionary measures are taken when:
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Playing sports such as cricket or hockey
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When mowing the lawn or using a weed eater
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Making repairs and home improvements that need painting or hammering
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Operating machines such as sanders and drills
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Using chemicals like bleach and pesticides
Please Note! When wearing contact lenses you must always follow the cleaning instructions provided. Always disinfect, and store contact lenses correctly to help prevent corneal infections, like keratitis.
Who Checks for Corneal Conditions?
Although a GP can check for and diagnose some Cornea Related Conditions and Eye Diseases, in the case of serious conditions you will be referred to a Eye Specialist or Ophthalmologist such as Dr. Zoran Aleksic in Cape Town. He will check for Corneal Conditions as part of a comprehensive yet painless eye exam. In the case of Corneal Abrasions a type of eye drops called fluorescein dye might be used to assist in making the Corneal Abrasions easier to see.
How are Corneal Conditions Treated?
Thankfully many Corneal Conditions are easily treated with prescription or over the counter medication. However, if you suffer from some form of advanced Corneal Disease you will need to see an eye specialist such as Dr. Aleksic, where you might have to undergo the following medical procedures:
Laser Treatment
To treat certain types of Cornea related eye diseases such as Corneal Dystrophies, laser treatment is used to reshape the cornea and remove any scar tissue which has formed on the eye.
Corneal Transplant Surgery
If damage to your Cornea can not be repaired, it can be removed by an eye surgeon replaced with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. In some cases an artificial Cornea can be used to replace a damaged Cornea.
Contact Us About Cornea Related Eye Conditions
For more information on Cornea Related Eye Conditions, or to book a comprehensive eye exam, please don’t hesitate to contact the Practice Rooms of Top Cape Town Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgeon, Dr. Zoran Aleksic!