Corneal Scarring Treatment: Methods and Recovery Options
Seeing the world clearly is something most of us don’t think twice about. But when corneal scarring disrupts that clarity, it can profoundly change how we navigate and enjoy life.
Corneal scarring can result in symptoms like blurry vision, pain, and sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these or suspect you have corneal scars, it’s crucial to see a trusted ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
At the Eye Institute of Austin, we offer specialized services to identify and treat corneal scarring and other eye conditions. Call 1-512-454-8744 or contact us online to book an appointment and explore your treatment options.
This guide provides information on corneal scarring, treatment options, as well as what to expect during recovery.
What Is Corneal Scarring?
The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped layer at the front of your eye that focuses light and protects your eye from debris. Corneal scarring occurs when this delicate tissue is damaged by infections, disease or trauma, leading to the formation of opaque or cloudy areas that disrupt your vision and may cause other unpleasant symptoms.
Causes and Symptoms
Corneal scarring can be caused by various injuries, infections, and inflammatory conditions. The following are some possible causes:
- Incorrect Use of Contact Lenses: Wearing expired or inadequately cleaned contact lenses, as well as sleeping while wearing contacts, can cause injuries and infections that lead to corneal scarring.
- Injuries: Direct trauma to the eye, such as scratches and cuts, can damage the corneal surface. Foreign bodies, like debris, can also cause corneal scarring.
- Inflammatory Conditions and Other Disorders: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and shingles may weaken the cornea and make it more prone to injuries. Meanwhile, infections like herpes simplex keratitis and bacterial keratitis can also cause inflammation and scarring.
- Surgical Complications: Improper healing or infections post-surgery can cause corneal scars.
Symptoms of corneal scars include the following:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling of a foreign object in the eye
- Pain or discomfort
- Visible cloudiness or irregularities in the cornea
How Is Corneal Scarring Diagnosed?
Diagnosing corneal scarring involves a thorough examination by an eye care professional. The process may include:
- Visual Acuity Tests: These measure the clarity of your vision.
- Slit-lamp Examination: A specialized microscope gives your doctor a detailed view of your cornea, allowing them to assess any damage.
- Corneal Topography: This test maps the surface curvature of the cornea, which helps your doctor identify irregularities caused by scarring.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This imaging tool offers a cross-sectional view of the cornea, allowing your doctor to evaluate the depth and extent of the scar.
These diagnostic tools can help your ophthalmologist determine the severity of your condition and recommend the most suitable corneal scarring treatment.
Corneal Scarring Treatment: Surgical and Noninvasive Approaches
The best treatment for corneal scarring depends on the scar’s severity, location, and impact on vision. Here are some common options:
1. Medications and Eye Drops
Medicated eye drops, such as corticosteroids and lubricants, can reduce inflammation and pain in mild cases. These treatments help manage symptoms but may not eliminate the scar.
2. Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK)
PTK is a laser procedure that removes superficial scars and smooths the corneal surface. It is typically used to address minor scarring that affects vision.
3. Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)
For severe scarring that cannot be treated with less invasive methods, a corneal transplant may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves replacing the damaged cornea with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. Depending on the extent of the damage, options include:
- Full-thickness transplant (penetrating keratoplasty)
- Anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK)
- Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) )
4. Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are specialty contact lenses designed to cover the damaged cornea. They are hard and hold their shape but allow oxygen to pass through them.
Scleral lenses are designed with a gap between them and the front of a patient’s corneas. This gap may hold saline or medicated solutions to help treat conditions that cause corneal scarring, such as severe dry eye.
In many cases, corneal scarring can be effectively treated with scleral lenses and may delay or even eliminate the need for surgical interventions.
5. Cross-Linking for Keratoconus-Related Scarring
If keratoconus is the underlying cause of the corneal scars, corneal cross-linking can stabilize the condition and prevent further damage.
Recovery From Corneal Scarring: What to Expect
Recovery depends on the type of corneal scarring treatment you’ve received. Here’s an overview of what you can anticipate:
- Medication and Eye Drops: Symptoms often improve gradually and will depend on the consistent use of prescribed treatments.
- PTK Procedure: Recovery typically takes a few weeks, and vision gradually improves as the cornea heals. During the initial healing phase, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity.
- Corneal Transplant: Healing from a transplant can take several months as the cornea adapts to the new tissue. Your doctor will monitor your progress during regular follow-up visits.
- Scleral Lenses: These lenses provide immediate vision improvement but may require adjustments for optimal comfort.
During recovery, be sure to follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions. This will help prevent complications and facilitate healing.
Take the Next Step Toward Improved Eye Health
If you experience symptoms of corneal scarring, it is crucial to see an ophthalmologist immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further vision loss and improve your quality of life.
The Eye Institute of Austin is a trusted ophthalmic practice. Since 1963, we’ve been dedicated to caring for the eyes of our patients throughout Texas. Our range of services includes corneal evaluations and various treatment options. For complex cases, we have cornea-trained specialists on our team who are available for consultation.
Whether you’re experiencing mild eye discomfort or significant vision changes, you can be confident that our team of experienced ophthalmologists will guide you toward the right solution. Call the Eye Institute of Austin at 1-512-454-8744 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.