Corneal Disease

The cornea is a critical part of the human eye, serving as its outermost layer. This transparent, dome-shaped surface envelops the eye’s front. Although it appears clear and insubstantial, it is actually composed of a highly organized collection of cells and proteins. Unique among body tissues, the cornea doesn’t rely on blood vessels for nourishment or defense against infection.

Nourishment for the cornea comes from tears and the aqueous humor, which fills the chamber behind the cornea. The cornea’s transparency is essential for correctly refracting light, and even the smallest blood vessels could disrupt this process. All corneal layers must remain free from any opaqueness or cloudy areas to ensure optimal vision.

Around 5 million Americans experience quality vision loss due to ocular trauma and various corneal conditions. Some of these conditions that result in vision loss and discomfort include keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, post-refractive surgeries such as LASIK-induced ectasia, corneal ulcerations, severe dry eye, different corneal dystrophies, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, shingles, ocular herpes, and corneal transplant surgery.

Many of these conditions cause such severe corneal distortion that neither eyeglasses nor conventional soft or hard contact lenses can restore quality vision and comfort. Moreover, numerous patients have such dry and/or traumatized corneas that exposure to light and other irritants makes it nearly impossible for them to open their eyes.

Fortunately, there is ongoing work in North America, Europe, and Australia by various contact lens manufacturers to develop specialty lenses and materials to address many of the conditions mentioned above. Additionally, stem cell research is being conducted to promote healing and restore healthy ocular tissue.