Corneal disease
Medical treatment
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| Herpes simplex ulcers are treated with acyclovir ointment. |
Many corneal diseases can be be managed medically.
Goals of medical therapy
Depending on the nature of disease therapy aims to treat the:
- Optical qualities of the cornea
- Appearance of the eye
- Patient comfort
For in many cases more than one problem will be present and treatments will have more than one effect.
Common medical therapies
The mainstays of medical treatment of the cornea are:
- Removing irritants
- Lubrication and rinsing
- Treatment of blepharitis
- Eradication or control of infection
- Management of inflammation
- Corneal smoothing with contact lenses
Removal of irritants
All eyedrops, in particular those which contain preservative, can be toxic to the cornea. Treatment of corneal disease may simply require stopping well intentioned therapy.
Lubrication
The corneal epithelium is affected by drying and toxic agents. Artificial tears and serum eye drops can provide additional lubrication and rinsing. For more information see Dry eye Medical treatment and Dry eye surgical treatment.
Treatment of blepharitis
Blepharitis is a frequent cause of damage to the corneal epithelium. More information can be found at Blepharitis Medical treatment and Blepharitis Surgical treatment.
Eradication or control of infection
The commonest cause of corneal infection is the Herpes Simplex virus. Recurrent epithelial disease is the most common manifestation. Herpes is impossible to eradicate but in most cases infection can be managed with acyclovir (Zovirex®) ointment. In severe cases oral acyclovir tablets may be used.
Management of inflammation
Inflammation of the cornea may require the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, of which steroid eye drops are the most effective.
Corneal smoothing with contact lenses
Contact lenses can be used to cover an unhealthy cornea, essentially replacing the diseased irregular tissue surface with a smooth 'plastic' surface.