At Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists our doctors are dedicated to providing outstanding care for corneal conditions. If you suffer from corneal erosion, keratoconus, or Fuch’s Dystrophy, you can find effective treatment at our Clermont practice. We can also refer you to a cornea specialist for more complex conditions. To find the best treatment option for your corneal health, contact one of our three area locations today.

The Function and Anatomy of the Cornea

The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped structure that refracts, or bends, light as it enters the eye.

Your cornea is made up of three primary layers:

  • Epithelium: The epithelium is the outermost layer of the cornea. It protects your eye from foreign objects.
  • Stroma: The stroma is the thickest corneal layer, composed of water and proteins. It is the part of the cornea that refracts light.
  • Endothelium: The last and thinnest layer of the cornea drains fluid out of the stroma and back into your eye. Without the endothelium, the stroma would swell with water, resulting in hazy vision.

Fuch’s Dystrophy

Fuch’s dystrophy is a rare condition that results when endothelial cells are damaged. As these cells lose function, they are no longer able to drain water out of the stroma, and you may experience progressive vision impairment. Symptoms include distorted vision, halos, difficulties with night vision, blisters on the cornea, and visible clouding of the surface of the eye. For some patients, the cause of the condition is unknown, but Fuch’s Dystrophy is primarily a genetic disorder.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Fuch’s Dystrophy

It is important to undergo routine eye exams so that your doctor can check for Fuch’s Dystrophy, especially if you have a family history of the condition. Diagnosis involves vision tests, glare tests, and slit lamp exams, in which your doctor will use a microscope to look inside your eye. He may also measure the thickness or the pressure of your cornea.

Often, conservative treatments will be enough to control your symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Medicated eye drops and soft contact lenses are two of the most common treatments. The only way to completely cure Fuch’s Dystrophy is with a corneal transplant. During this treatment, your doctor will use tissue from a donor to replace all or part of your cornea. This treatment is safe and effective, and most corneal transplant patients can enjoy clear vision for years to come.

Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Corneal erosion occurs when your epithelium loses cells, often because of an external injury such as a scrape or improperly fitted contact lenses. You may be at a higher risk for corneal erosion if you have had a past eye injury, or if you have another corneal condition such as Fuch’s Dystrophy. The most common symptom is pain, with other symptoms including blurred vision, redness, a feeling that there is something in your eye, excess tearing, and sensitivity to light.

Corneal Erosion Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor can typically diagnose this condition through a simple slit lamp exam. He may also perform a dye test to reveal areas where epithelial cells may be missing. Corneal erosion can typically be treated with medications, including eye drops and ointments, and sometimes soft contact lenses. In more severe cases of recurrent erosion, surgery may be required.

Contact Us Today

Although corneal conditions can cause discomfort and impaired vision, with early diagnosis, we can provide effective treatment to protect your vision for years to come. To learn more about corneal conditions, schedule your consultation today.