www.augenklinik-stralsund.de/en/clinical-characteristics/corneal-disorders
Corneal disorders
Augenklinik Stralsund, Praxis Dr. med. M. Fechner
D-18435 Stralsund
Große Parower Straße 47
Klinikum am Sund
3rd Floor
Contact
Tel: +49 3831 380002
Fax: +49 3831 380003
a) inflammations
The inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) is always a severe disease which is often accompanied by pain and a diminishing of the visual acuity. It may develop with or without a previous injury. The pathogens causing an inflammation of the cornea are bacteria, fungi or viruses of which the herpesvirus is the best known.
An inflammation of the cornea which is not treated properly can cause interminable suffering and severe disturbances up to the loss of sight of the eye. For this reason, an immediate ophthalmological assessment and - if possible - therapy is absolutely necessary.
b) injuries
The cornea is extremely sensitive; that is the reason why even minor injuries can cause intensive pain. Very often, there are superficial grazes (corneal erosion) which heal in a few days' time; occasionally, however, they recur spontaneously and thus may cause trouble for months. No rarities are also superficial foreign bodies. In certain accidents (e.g. hammer & chisel) the foreign body may penetrate into the interior of the eye causing severe damage without immediate pain. Therefore, in every assumed inclusion of a foreign body, an ophthalmologist has to be consulted at once.
Cauterizations of the cornea by chemical substances, especially by slaked lime, are particularly serious and require a treatment on the spot by thorough rinsing of the eyefollowed by an immediate visit to the ophthalmologist.
c) opacities
As the consequence of an injury, an inflammation, an eye operation or a degenerative disease process, the cornea may opacify to an extent that the visual acuity is diminished. Depending on the cause, location and extent, the opacity can be removed either mechanically, chemically, with the excimer laser (phototherapeutic keratectomy, PTK) or by a corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) and thus vision restored.
d) changes of form
As the consequence of an injury, an inflammation or a degenerative process (e.g. keratoconus) the cornea may lose its even curvature and thus its optical quality resulting in irregular astigmatism and blurry vision. In these cases, contact lenses, excimer laser treatment, corneal implants (e.g. intracorneal ring segments) or a corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) can help.