The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped layer covering the front of the eye. It serves as a protective barrier and plays an essential role in focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. Any damage or disease affecting the cornea or the surface of the eye can lead to vision problems, discomfort, and, if untreated, severe visual impairment.
"At Mahajan Eye Centre, we provide expert care for a wide range of corneal and ocular surface diseases, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatments to preserve and restore their vision."
The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and acts like the eye’s window, allowing light to pass through and helping focus that light onto the retina.
The cornea’s primary role is to focus light that enters the eye, accounting for about 65-75% of the eye’s total focusing power. Its transparent nature allows light to pass through, and its curved shape helps bend (refract) light onto the retina, where the image is processed and sent to the brain.
Any condition that affects the transparency, curvature, or health of the cornea can interfere with this process, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
Corneal examinations are essential for diagnosing and treating corneal diseases. At Mahajan Eye Centre, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the health of the cornea and ocular surface:
- Slit-Lamp Examination: This is a detailed eye exam where the ophthalmologist uses a special microscope with a bright light to examine the surface and layers of the cornea. It helps detect any irregularities, injuries, or infections.
- Corneal Topography: This imaging technique maps the surface curvature of the cornea. It is especially useful for diagnosing conditions like keratoconus, where the cornea becomes irregularly shaped.
- Specular Microscopy: This test evaluates the corneal endothelium (the innermost layer) to assess its health and function. It’s essential for determining the suitability of patients for corneal transplantation and for monitoring post-surgical recovery.
- Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of the cornea, which can be important for diagnosing certain diseases and determining eligibility for refractive surgery.
Several conditions can affect the cornea and ocular surface, ranging from infections and inflammation to degenerative diseases. Below are the most common conditions treated at our centre:
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea becomes thin and bulges into a cone-like shape, leading to distorted vision. Although the exact cause is unknown, genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we offer a full range of treatments for keratoconus, including corneal collagen cross-linking (C3R), Intacs, and custom contact lens fitting. (For more detailed information, please visit our dedicated page on keratoconus.)
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tear film is unstable, leading to discomfort, redness, and blurry vision. Environmental factors, prolonged screen use, and certain medical conditions can exacerbate dry eye.
Our Dry Eye Clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, such as the IDRA diagnostic device, and treatments like plugs and E-Eye IRPL therapy. (For more details, visit our dry eye webpage.)
Corneal Transplantation
For patients with severe corneal damage, corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. There are various types of corneal transplants, depending on the condition and severity.
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we offer advanced corneal transplant services using techniques like DALK, PK, and femto-assisted transplants. (Visit our corneal transplantation page for more details.)
Corneal Infections (Keratitis)
Keratitis is an infection or inflammation of the cornea caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. It often results from improper contact lens use, eye trauma, or weakened immune systems.
Symptoms:
- Eye pain and redness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Watery or discharge-filled eyes
Diagnosis and Treatment:
A slit-lamp exam is used to identify the cause of the infection, and treatment may involve antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged tissue.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelids. It can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or irritants.
Symptoms:
- Red or pink eye
- Itching or burning sensation
- Eye discharge
- Swollen eyelids
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Conjunctivitis is diagnosed through an eye exam and treated based on its cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotics, while allergic conjunctivitis can be managed with antihistamines and lubricating eye drops.
Corneal Dystrophies
Corneal dystrophies are a group of genetic conditions in which abnormal material builds up in the cornea, affecting its transparency and shape. Common types include Fuchs' dystrophy and map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy.
Symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye discomfort or pain
- Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Corneal topography and specular microscopy are used to evaluate the extent of corneal dystrophy. Treatment may involve medications, corneal transplant, or laser therapy, depending on the severity of the condition.
Pterygium
A pterygium is a benign, wedge-shaped growth of tissue on the conjunctiva that can extend onto the cornea. It is often linked to excessive sun exposure or dry, windy conditions.
Symptoms of Pterygium:
- A visible, raised growth on the white of the eye
- Redness and irritation
- Dryness and a foreign body sensation
- Blurred vision (if the growth extends over the cornea)
Treatment for Pterygium:
- Artificial Tears: To relieve dryness and irritation.
- Surgical Removal: In cases where the pterygium affects vision or causes significant discomfort, surgical excision may be necessary. At Mahajan Eye Centre, we use advanced surgical techniques to remove the growth and prevent recurrence
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we combine cutting-edge diagnostic technology with decades of clinical expertise to diagnose and treat Cornea and Ocular Surface Diseases& Management effectively. Our centre offers:
Why Choose Us?
- Advanced Technology Device: such as the Pentacam, specular microscope, and topography for precise corneal evaluation.
- Comprehensive surgical options, including corneal transplantation and advanced treatments for keratoconus, dry eye, and corneal infections
- A team of experienced ophthalmologists, led by Dr. Deepankur Mahajan, providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.
Contact Us for Expert Corneal Care
If you are experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision, eye discomfort, or sensitivity to light, don’t wait. Contact Mahajan Eye Centre today for an expert evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Why Mahajan Eye Centre?
Expertise and Experience
Our experienced surgeons have been managing corneal diseases for decades, ensuring high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Advanced Technology
Our investment in latest technology (Oculus Pentacam, Slit-Lamp with photography etc.) enables us to make precise corneal evaluation and plan safer surgeries.
Personalized Care
We customize every aspect of your disease management, from pre-surgical measurements to selecting the procedure that best suits your lifestyle and vision needs.
Comprehensive Post-Op Care
We provide for comprehensive surgical options, including corneal transplantation and advanced treatments for keratoconus, dry eye, and corneal infections.
