A clear starting point
Overview
The cornea is the transparent front surface that provides most of the eye's focusing power. Infections, injuries, dystrophies and surface inflammation can blur vision and cause significant discomfort. Corneal care ranges from medical treatment of infections and allergies to specialised procedures for thinning or scarred corneas.
What you may notice
Symptoms & Warning Signs
- Redness, pain or light sensitivity
- Foreign-body sensation
- Watering or discharge
- Blurred or hazy vision
- White spot on the cornea
Understanding the cause
Possible Causes
Corneal problems arise from infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), contact-lens misuse, trauma, allergies, inherited dystrophies and degenerations.
When to seek care
When to Consult an Eye Specialist
A painful red eye, especially in a contact-lens wearer, or any white spot on the cornea needs same-day evaluation — delays can permanently affect vision.
Your evaluation
Diagnostic Process
Your specialist will recommend assessment based on your symptoms and eye health. This may include:
- Slit-lamp examination with fluorescein staining
- Corneal topography and tomography
- Microbiological scraping for suspected infection
- Anterior segment OCT where indicated
Care is individual
Management & Treatment Approaches
The appropriate approach depends on the findings of your evaluation. Options may include:
- Prescription eye drops for infection or inflammation
- Bandage contact lenses and surface procedures
- Corneal cross-linking for progressive thinning
- Corneal transplantation for advanced scarring, where indicated
Preparing for a visit
What to Expect
Most corneal consultations involve a microscope examination and, if needed, painless imaging. Infections may need close follow-up until healed.
Balanced information
Risks & Limitations
Untreated corneal infections and ulcers can scar the cornea and permanently reduce vision. Treatment risks vary by condition and will be explained before any procedure.
After treatment
Recovery & Follow-up
Surface infections may heal in days to weeks; surgical recovery takes longer with structured follow-up. Complete the full course of prescribed medication.
Answers to common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical disclaimer: This page is general educational information, not a diagnosis or a guarantee of any outcome. Treatment decisions are made only after an in-person evaluation by a qualified eye specialist.