Your eyes are the windows to your soul and powerful indicators of your overall health. They enable you to perceive the world around you, taking in its beauty and wonders. However, sometimes they need your attention, especially regarding the delicate cornea—the transparent layer covering the front of your eye. If your Huntingdon Valley cornea becomes damaged or infected, you may experience different symptoms.
Here are signs that you might have a corneal condition.
Blurred vision that persists
We all sometimes suffer a blurring of vision from exhaustion or other temporary causes. However, if your eyesight is fuzzy regularly, this might indicate a corneal issue. Damage or deformity of the cornea, which is responsible for focusing light onto the retina, may cause this bothersome sensation. If your vision is slightly hazy or significantly impaired, don’t ignore this subtle cry for attention from your eyes.
Intense eye pain or discomfort
Your eyes are sensitive organs, and any discomfort should be taken seriously. Severe eye pain or a prolonged feeling of foreign objects in the eye might be signs of a corneal condition. Corneal infections and ulcers may be quite painful, and they often come with other symptoms, including redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
Unusual sensitivity to light
Have you noticed that bright lights seem unbearable, causing you to squint or shield your eyes more often than usual? This heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, is another potential sign of a corneal condition. The cornea is crucial in controlling the quantity of light that enters your eye. Any disturbance in the cornea’s regular operation might lead to an increase in sensitivity. So, if you notice that you avoid bright days or tend to lower the lights indoors more often, it is time to see an eye care specialist.
Corneal swelling or cloudiness
Healthy corneas have a clear and transparent appearance, allowing light to pass through unimpeded. However, if you observe swelling or cloudiness in your cornea, it is essential to pay attention. Corneal edema, an accumulation of fluid in the cornea, can cause this visible change in its appearance. Also, conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy or corneal scars may contribute to cloudiness. Monitoring the clarity of your cornea and promptly reporting any abnormalities to your eye care provider can aid in early detection and appropriate management.
Recurring eye infections or abrasions
Are you experiencing frequent eye infections or corneal abrasions, even with no apparent external cause? Recurrent episodes of these issues can point toward an underlying corneal condition. Conditions like dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, or herpes simplex virus infections can weaken the cornea’s defense mechanisms, making it more susceptible to infections and abrasions.
Redness, irritation, and excessive tearing
Your eyes are precious organs, and any unusual redness, irritation, or excessive tearing should never be ignored. These signs may indicate a problem with your cornea, such as corneal abrasion or keratitis. Inflammation and irritation of the cornea may result from disturbing the cornea’s sensitive moisture balance.
Call Suburban Eye Associates to book your appointment for treatment of corneal conditions.
