Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common problems that can occur on or in the front of my eye?
Most eye problems are the result of physical damage from hard objects, chemical burns or abrasions, bullous keratopathy and corneal ulcer, corneal scarring, corneal astigmatism and cataracts.
What can I do to correct a problem in the front of my eye?
See your eye care professional. Many conditions associated with the front of the eye are serious and need immediate care.
Is eye protection important when performing household tasks?
Eye protection is very important, even when performing ordinary household tasks. Severe chemical burns can be caused by common household cleaners (bleach, metal polish, etc.). Dusting and vacuuming can stir up particles in the air that can irritate the front of the eye, causing both immediate and long-term damage.
What is a corneal ulcer?
A corneal ulcer is an infection of the cornea. It can be viral, fungal, or bacterial. Ulcers are hard to treat because the cornea does not have blood vessels to allow for our own natural immune system to fight the infection. Therefore, the infection can grow rapidly and cause severe damage to the cornea and eye. Ulcers are typically treated with topical antibiotics. Some ulcers are caused by corneal nerve damage. These are termed neurotrophic ulcers.
What is dry eye?
Tear deficiency affects about 10 to 15 percent of adults. This common disorder can be very uncomfortable. Both decreased tear production and evaporation can play a role. There are many causes of dry eye, but most can be classified as local or systemic. Local causes are due to actual eye or eyelid problems. Systemic causes are varied. Typical systemic causes include inflammatory or rheumatologic diseases, as well as varied medications.
What is a corneal transplant?
A corneal transplant involves removing a portion of the cornea and replacing it with a donor cornea. The donor cornea is generally supplied by an eye bank that harvests and maintains donor eye tissue. It is performed approximately 45,000 times a year in the United States. Indications vary and the decision to transplant is one made by the surgeon and patient. The most common reasons for corneal transplant are pseudophakic corneal edema (presence of an intraocular lens after cataract extraction), Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy (an eye disease in which cells lining the inner surface of the cornea slowly start to die off), kerataconus and corneal opacification (due to infection or trauma).
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