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Understanding Corneal Diseases
Corneal disease is a broad term for conditions that affect the clear front surface of the eye. Depending on the cause and the corneal layer involved, symptoms may include blur, distorted or fluctuating vision, glare, light sensitivity, redness, pain, dryness, or reduced contact lens tolerance.
Examples include keratoconus and other forms of corneal ectasia, corneal scarring, dystrophies and degenerations, severe ocular surface disease, and changes after refractive surgery or corneal transplantation. Because these conditions do not share one treatment, an examination must identify the diagnosis, eye-health status, and source of the visual limitation.
Our Mission: Non-invasive Vision Restoration
Dr. Edward Boshnick evaluates patients whose vision or ocular comfort remains limited by an irregular cornea, ocular surface disease, or prior eye surgery. The goal is to understand what is medically active, what requires monitoring or referral, and what part of the patient’s vision may be rehabilitated with specialty optics.
A specialty contact lens does not cure the underlying corneal disease. It may provide useful vision or protect the ocular surface for selected patients while medical or surgical care continues with the appropriate eye-care professionals.
Scleral Lenses: The Therapeutic Choice
Scleral lenses are large-diameter, oxygen-permeable rigid lenses that land on the sclera and vault over the cornea. Before insertion, the space beneath the lens is filled with sterile, preservative-free saline. This design creates a regular front optical surface and avoids direct lens bearing on the central cornea.
Depending on the diagnosis, scleral lenses may be evaluated for visual rehabilitation, ocular surface support, or both. They require individualized fitting, handling and hygiene training, and continuing assessment of corneal clearance, lens landing, oxygen needs, and eye health.
Regaining Vision with Scleral Lenses
Glasses and standard soft contact lenses may not fully correct vision when the corneal surface is irregular. A diagnostic specialty-lens trial can help determine whether a rigid optical surface improves functional vision and whether the eye can safely support lens wear.
Explore the guide that best matches the diagnosed condition:
The Future of Corneal Disease Treatment
Corneal care is individualized. Some patients need medical treatment, monitoring for progression, surgery, specialty lenses, or coordinated care involving more than one clinician. A lens evaluation is appropriate only after the eye’s diagnosis and health needs are understood.
Seek prompt eye care for sudden vision loss, increasing pain, pronounced redness, discharge, marked light sensitivity, or a new white or cloudy area on the cornea. These symptoms should not wait for a routine contact lens visit.
Medical sources
- National Eye Institute: Corneal conditions
- Cleveland Clinic: Scleral lenses
- Peer-reviewed review of scleral lens indications, complications, and outcomes
This page is educational and does not provide a diagnosis or individualized treatment recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cornea is the eye’s outermost layer. It’s a clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. The cornea refracts (bends) light and focuses it on the retina, which is essential for vision. It also acts as a protective barrier against dust, germs, and other particles that can harm the eye.
Some of the common corneal diseases include keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, corneal ulcerations, severe dry eye, various corneal dystrophies, and complications arising from LASIK surgery or corneal transplant. Conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, shingles, and ocular herpes can also significantly affect the cornea.
Scleral lenses are large gas permeable lenses that are used to restore health, vision, and comfort to patients suffering from various corneal conditions. They vault over the cornea without touching it, instead resting on the white portion of the eye (the sclera). This design creates a liquid environment that promotes corneal healing, making scleral lenses a therapeutic choice for many corneal conditions.
In many cases, severe corneal distortion caused by corneal diseases may make it impossible for eyeglasses or conventional contact lenses to restore quality vision and comfort. In such cases, specially designed scleral lenses are often the better choice.
The cornea receives its nourishment from tears and the aqueous humor (a clear liquid that fills the chamber behind the cornea). It’s designed this way to maintain its transparency, which is crucial for the refraction of light and, therefore, vision.
Yes, corneal diseases can affect one or both eyes. The extent and severity of the disease can vary between eyes, and the impact on vision can also differ.
While many corneal diseases are due to genetic factors or unforeseen complications, some lifestyle changes can help maintain overall eye health. Regular eye check-ups, protecting your eyes from excessive sun exposure, maintaining good hygiene especially when handling contact lenses, and a healthy diet can support eye health. However, these measures do not guarantee prevention of corneal diseases and it is crucial to consult with an eye care professional for personalized advice.
Schedule Your Consultation with
Dr. Boshnick
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7800 Sw 87 Ave Suite B-270
Miami, Florida 33173
