Cornea and External Disease

Overview and Symptoms

Some of the more common cornea and external diseases that affect these eye parts include:

• Corneal Abrasions—abrasion, or scratch, on the corneal surface
• Corneal Dystrophies— makes the cornea lose their normal clarity due to a buildup of material that clouds the cornea. Dystrophies are inherited conditions which usually develop in both eyes
• Conjunctivitis—an inflammation of the clear skin that covers the sclera and the inside surface of the eyelids. Usually known as “pink eye.”
• Dry Eye—brought on by low tear production or poor tear quality
• Keratoconus—a thinning disorder of the cornea that causes distortion and reduced vision
• Pterygium—a pinkish, triangular tissue growth on the cornea of the eye likely caused by exposure to too much sunlight

Your eye doctor, or ophthalmologist, will review your medical history and perform a careful examination of the eyes and eyelids. The cornea is examined in detail using a slit lamp microscope. Additional medical testing may include topography and keratometry (to study the shape of the cornea), pachymetry (to measure the thickness of the cornea), specialized microscopy (providing detailed pictures to assess the health of the endothelial cells, or to identify infectious agents), and assessment of the tear film. In some individuals, cultures, biopsies, or blood tests are also necessary, depending on your condition.