The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that sits over the coloured part of the eye (the iris) and the pupil. It acts as the eye’s main window, allowing light to enter while also providing a strong protective barrier against dust, germs, and injury. The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing vision, contributing most of the eye’s focusing power to help create a sharp, clear image.
Keratoconus is a condition in which the normally round cornea becomes thin and gradually bulges forward into a cone shape. This change alters how light enters the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, glare, and frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions. It often begins in the teenage years or early adulthood and can progress over time, but early diagnosis allows treatment options that can help stabilise the cornea and protect vision.
Keratitis is an inflammation or infection of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It can be caused by infections (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites), contact lens wear, eye injury, or severe dry eye, and may lead to redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and discharge. Keratitis can be serious if not treated promptly, so early assessment and appropriate treatment are important to protect the cornea and preserve vision.
Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy is a condition that affects the inner layer of cells lining the cornea, called the endothelium, which is responsible for keeping the cornea clear by pumping out excess fluid. As these cells gradually stop working properly, fluid builds up in the cornea, causing swelling, blurred or hazy vision (often worse in the morning), glare, and sensitivity to light. Over time, this can lead to persistent vision problems and discomfort, and treatment may range from eye drops in early stages to corneal surgery in more advanced cases.
Dry eye disease is a common condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation and inflammation of the eye surface. Symptoms include dryness, burning, redness, a gritty sensation, blurred vision, and eye fatigue, often worse with reading or screen use. In some people, dry eye is associated with autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, where the body’s immune system affects tear production. Identifying underlying causes is important, as targeted treatment can significantly improve comfort and protect long-term eye health.
A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure where damaged or cloudy corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor tissue to restore vision and comfort. It is used for conditions such as corneal scarring, keratoconus, corneal swelling (including Fuchs’ dystrophy), or severe infections that affect sight. Depending on the condition, only part of the cornea or the full thickness may be replaced, and most patients experience gradual improvement in vision as the eye heals.