Protecting the window to your eye
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. It plays a critical role in vision by refracting light onto the lens and retina, while also acting as a protective barrier against dust, germs, and injury.
Because the cornea is so exposed, it is vulnerable to infections, injuries, dryness, and degenerative conditions — all of which can affect clarity of vision if left untreated.
Conditions we treat
Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections of the cornea, often linked to contact lens misuse, injury, or a compromised immune system. Symptoms include redness, pain, discharge, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent scarring and vision loss.
Scratches (abrasions), foreign bodies, chemical burns, or trauma to the cornea. Even minor injuries can cause significant pain and require urgent evaluation to prevent infection or scarring.
A chronic condition where the eye doesn’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation, burning, redness, and fluctuating vision. Often linked to age, screen use, certain medications, or underlying autoimmune conditions.
A progressive condition in which the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, distorting vision. It typically begins in the teenage years or early adulthood and can worsen over time if untreated, sometimes requiring specialised contact lenses or corneal cross-linking to halt progression.
Genetic conditions that cause abnormal material to build up in the cornea, gradually clouding vision over time.
Resulting from past infections, injuries, or surgery, which can significantly reduce vision clarity.
Signs to watch for
Diagnosis
Treatment
| Condition | Common treatments |
|---|---|
| Infections | Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops; in severe cases, oral medication |
| Dry eye | Artificial tears, punctal plugs, prescription anti-inflammatory drops, lifestyle changes |
| Keratoconus | Specialty contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, intracorneal ring segments |
| Scarring / opacity | Corneal transplant (keratoplasty) in advanced cases |
| Injuries | Bandage contact lenses, antibiotic drops, close monitoring for healing |
When the cornea is severely scarred, thinned, or diseased beyond medical management, a corneal transplant may be recommended. This involves replacing damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue, and can be full-thickness or partial-thickness depending on the condition. Modern techniques allow for faster recovery and better visual outcomes than ever before.
Seek urgent evaluation if you experience sudden eye pain, sudden vision loss, significant redness with discharge, or a chemical splash to the eye — early treatment often prevents permanent damage. Call +91 11 2604 2611.
Your care at Kunj Eye Hospital
Consultations are with our ophthalmologists:
Digital slit lamp for detailed examination of the corneal layers, auto keratometer to measure corneal curvature, and pachymeter to measure corneal thickness.
See all our facilities & equipment