Corneal edema is swelling of the clear outer layer of your eye or the cornea. It can result from various factors such as eye trauma, infections, or underlying eye conditions like glaucoma. Symptoms of corneal edema include:
- Blurry vision
- Halos around lights
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye pain
- Foreign body sensation in the eye
A comprehensive eye exam can determine the underlying cause of the swelling, and treatment can reduce swelling and prevent further complications for vision clarity and comfort.
What Is Corneal Edema?
Corneal edema is a condition where the cornea becomes swollen due to an accumulation of fluid. The cornea is a crucial part of the eyes for focusing light into your eye for providing clear vision. Corneal swelling or edema can disrupt your vision.
The cornea consists of layers of tissue and a layer of cells, called the epithelium, along the inner surface of the cornea that helps remove fluid from inside the eye. Corneal edema can result from the following causes that damage the endothelium cells:
- Eye trauma or injury.
- Eye infections.
- Underlying eye conditions, like glaucoma, Fuchs’ dystrophy, Chandler’s syndrome, and posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy.
- Endotheliitis, or inflammation of the endothelium.
- Complications after cataract surgery.
- Certain drugs can increase the risk of corneal edema.
5 Symptoms of Corneal Edema
The symptoms of corneal edema can vary, but here are five common ones to watch for:
- Blurry vision or objects that appear out of focus or hazy.
- Halos around lights, especially at night, can make driving particularly challenging.
- Sensitivity to light or photophobia could feel uncomfortable or even painful.
- Eye pain or discomfort felt as persistent irritation or a sensation of pressure.
- Foreign body sensation that feels like something’s stuck in your eye.
These symptoms can affect daily activities, such as reading, driving, or even walking outdoors on a sunny day. You may also experience symptoms more in the morning and less in the day as the eyes open to allow for some fluid evaporation.
Who is at Risk for Corneal Edema?
While anyone can experience corneal edema, some individuals are more at risk:
- People with pre-existing eye conditions.
- Aging can make the cornea more prone to issues, including swelling.
- Improper care or overuse of contact lenses can irritate and damage the cornea, leading to edema.
- Procedures like eye surgery can increase the likelihood of developing corneal edema.
- People who use certain substances and drugs.
Corneal Edema Diagnosis & Treatment
A trained eye care professional can diagnose corneal edema during a comprehensive eye exam. They may use tools like a slit lamp microscope to examine your cornea or other instruments to measure its thickness.
There are several ways to treat corneal edema depending on its severity and underlying cause. For mild corneal edema, treatment may include eye drops to reduce the swelling and, if recommended by your eye doctor, using a hairdryer to blow air onto your eyes from a safe distance to increase fluid evaporation and reduce the swelling.
Treatment for severe corneal edema that affects your vision can include surgery to replace the cornea. Procedures like corneal transplant or a Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) may be required.
A corneal transplant or keratoplasty procedure involves removing corneal tissue and replacing it with healthy donor tissue. A DSEK surgery removes the damaged endothelial tissue and leaves healthy tissue intact. Healing, recovery, and clear vision can depend on the severity of corneal edema and the type of surgery performed. Sometimes, you’ll need to wear corrective lenses for vision clarity.
How to Prevent Corneal Edema
Mild corneal edema can progress slowly without noticeable symptoms. Here are some things you can do to prevent corneal edema and help maintain your vision and comfort:
- Protect your eyes: Wear protective eyewear to prevent eye trauma and injury to the eyes.
- Routine eye exams: Regular check-ups are vital to monitoring your eye health and catching any changes early on.
- Manage eye conditions: Manage underlying eye conditions that can increase your risk of corneal edema.
- Contact lens wear: Make sure you wear your contact lenses as prescribed and maintain proper contact lens hygiene.
- Follow treatment plans: Adhere to prescribed medications and care instructions from your eye doctor.
Maintaining Healthy Vision
Your eyes are one of your most important assets, and their health is essential for enjoying a full, vibrant life. Corneal edema, while serious, is manageable with early detection and appropriate treatment. By recognizing the symptoms—like blurry vision, light sensitivity, or halos around lights—you can take action before the condition progresses.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of corneal edema or have concerns about your eye health and vision, book an appointment with Pack and Bianes Optometry. The earlier you address an issue and determine the underlying cause, the better your chances of preventing further progression and maintaining healthy vision.
