Cornea, keratoconus and dry eye care

Eye infections (keratitis)

A scratch or injury to the cornea lets germs — bacteria, fungi, viruses or, rarely, an amoeba — take hold. An infection usually causes pain, redness, watering or discharge, blurred vision and sensitivity to light, and it needs prompt treatment to protect your sight. In farming areas, fungal infection after an injury from a plant, grain husk or stick is a particular concern. Contact-lens wearers are at higher risk of infection, especially if lenses are worn overnight or exposed to water. [R19]

Action: If your eye is painful and red after an injury, or while you wear contact lenses, take the lenses out and come in the same day. Don't use leftover or borrowed eye drops.

Dry eye

Dry eye happens when your eyes don't make enough tears, or the tears dry up too quickly. Eyes can feel gritty, burning, tired or — surprisingly — watery, and vision can blur. Long screen hours, air-conditioning, dusty or windy weather, age, contact lenses and some medicines can all play a part. Treatment starts with simple steps, such as lubricating drops and regular blinking breaks, and may include prescription drops or other treatments your doctor will explain. [R17]

Eye allergy

Itchy, red, watery and puffy eyes that come and go with the seasons are often caused by allergy to pollen, dust, mould or animal dander. Try not to rub your eyes — rubbing makes allergy worse and, over time, can harm the cornea. We can prescribe drops that calm the reaction.

Keratoconus and cross-linking (C3R)

In keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges into a cone shape. Vision becomes blurred and distorted, and glasses often stop working well. It usually starts in the teenage years or early adulthood. Corneal collagen cross-linking (C3R) strengthens the cornea with riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops and ultraviolet light; it is the treatment shown to halt progression, though it doesn't reverse changes that have already happened. [R7] Vision itself may be improved with special rigid contact lenses and, in advanced cases, a corneal transplant (DALK). Laser vision correction is not suitable for eyes with keratoconus.

What cross-linking involves

The treatment is done in the operating theatre under numbing drops. The surface layer of the cornea is gently removed, riboflavin drops are applied, and the eye is exposed to ultraviolet light. A bandage contact lens protects the eye while it heals. The eye is usually uncomfortable for a day or two. We'll see you regularly for several months to make sure the cornea has stabilised.