The majority of people don’t really understand the components of their eyes, and even fewer take the time to discuss eye health with an eye doctor. Houston area cornea specialist Dr. John Goosey works with patients to address any eye health concern, and welcomes questions from patients concerned with maintaining their vision. While many cornea conditions can be treated non-surgically, there are some requiring surgical interventions.
Corneas Have a Specific Role in Your Sight
The eye’s structure is rather complex and includes layers that all play important roles. The cornea provides a barrier to prevent dirt or germs that would negatively impact the eye. It also serves as a lens that focuses the light entering the eye, making it possible for the retina to perform its job. Any damage to the cornea can, and will, impact the quality of a person’s vision.
Minor Injuries to the Cornea Are Common
The majority of issues involving the cornea are minor. Slight scratches, for example, are common and generally don’t have any long-term impact on the patient’s vision. Minor scratches will heal on their own without any intervention. However, it’s important to have Dr. Goosey examine the eye if there is any indication the scratch is more serious and may have penetrated the cornea. If experiencing eye pain, light sensitivity, inflammation, or headaches, contact Houston Eye Associates to have the injury examined and treated.
Other Conditions Affecting Corneas
There are several issues involving the cornea that plague patients and can cause discomfort and other symptoms. Allergies commonly cause patients to experience discomfort, tearing, stinging, and other symptoms. Generally, these issues won’t cause long-term damage, but it’s important to stay on top of the allergies to minimize any impact on the eyes. Dry eye, a condition preventing the formation of tears, should always be treated, as tears lubricate the eye. Dry eye can cause discomfort or blurry vision, and therefore should not be ignored. Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea. It is often seen in individuals who wear contact lenses, or who’ve experienced minor injuries. Treatment including antibiotics or antifungals may be needed in more severe cases.
Treating Corneal Disease
Most corneal diseases, when caught in early stages, are treatable. Modern laser surgery, for example, has radically altered the way a corneal disease is treated. Transplant surgery may also be recommended when the cornea is heavily damaged. While transplants are generally successful, some patients will react badly. For those patients, inserting an artificial cornea is another option. Every patient’s needs are somewhat unique, so Dr. Goosey works closely with every patient to determine the best course of action to deal with their specific corneal condition.
Of course, there are other issues that can develop, and there are condition-specific treatments generally recommended for each. In addition, ongoing research is leading to improved treatments for corneal issues. Dr. Goosey’s vast experience makes it possible for him to recommend the best treatments for any type of eye-related issues. To discuss issues you may be having, contact Dr. Goosey’s office to schedule an examination.
