Cornea Diseases and Disorders in Baton Rouge, LA

Our expert team of ophthalmologists at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians is highly trained in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of diseases that impact the eyes, including cornea disorders. The cornea is the clear, transparent layer at the front of the eye that helps focus light and protects the eye from germs, dust, and other foreign matter. If this layer is damaged or compromised in any way, it can lead to infection, visual impairment, tearing, or severe eye pain. These symptoms are also often signs of a cornea disease or disorder. If you are experiencing any of the above ailments, contact our office in Baton Rouge, LA to schedule a comprehensive eye exam today.

There are five main categories that classify the different types of disorders that affect the cornea: allergies, infections, injuries, dry eye, and corneal dystrophies. Corneal conditions are usually diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam and treatment will differ, depending on the type of disorder and the underlying cause. The most common forms of treatment include prescription eye drops, artificial corneas, laser therapy, and corneal transplant surgery.

The causes of diseases and conditions that affect the cornea can vary greatly, but most often include:

• Hereditary conditions passed down by your genetics
• An injury or trauma to the eye
• Allergies
• Insufficient vitamins and minerals in the diet (nutritional deficiencies)
• Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
• Autoimmune disorders
• Growths (pterygium or benign or cancerous growths)
• Corneal thinning (ectasia or keratoconus)
• Some medications
• Dry eye
• Glaucoma

In the early stages, corneal diseases and disorders can be managed by corrective devices like glasses or contact lenses. At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, we also offer a few laser adn surgical options that can help to clear the vision from cornea degeneration. If the progression continues, cornea transplants might become a viable option for restoring your vision. Call our Baton Rouge, LA office today to learn more about your treatment options.

Receiving treatment for cornea diseases and disorders depends on the progression of your disease. If caught in early stages, often glasses and contact lenses are sufficient for addressing immediate vision concerns. In advanced diseases, certain patients may qualify for cornea transplants, however, your cornea must be thick enough. Your provider at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians will discuss all of your treatment options with you at each stage of your cornea disease.

What are the signs of corneal diseases and disorders?

The signs of corneal disease will vary, depending on type and severity, but some common symptoms of corneal diseases and disorders include:

• Extreme light sensitivity
• Tearing
• Redness
• Pain
• Blurred vision
• Corneal scarring

How do you treat corneal disease?

Most conditions of the cornea can be easily treated with prescription eye drops or medication. For cases of advanced corneal disease, you may need to get laser treatment, corneal transplant surgery, or be fitted with artificial corneas.

What is corneal dystrophy?

Corneal dystrophies are caused when material accumulates on the cornea. They can cause cloudy vision and are usually genetic and tend to run in families.

Can you go blind from corneal dystrophy?

People experiencing corneal dystrophy rarely go blind from the condition; however, it can cause impairment of their vision. Your cornea has six layers and is fairly resilient, but deterioration can start in any one of the six layers.

If you have been having issues with your vision and suspect a corneal disorder, call Baton Rouge Eye Physicians to schedule an appointment. Our skilled ophthalmologists can perform a full eye assessment to determine the underlying cause of your discomfort and whether you have a corneal disorder that requires treatment. Reach out to our eye clinic in Baton Rouge, LA today.