Cornea Care
The cornea is often called the “window of the eye.” It’s the clear tissue on the outermost part of your eye that lets light in and protects against infection. When it isn’t working right, your vision suffers. Vision Care of Maine treats cornea conditions and dry eye for patients throughout the region.
What Is the Cornea?
The cornea is the clear front layer of your eye. It does two big jobs at once. It lets light into the eye so you can see, and it protects everything underneath from dust, germs, and injury.
The cornea may look simple, but it’s actually made up of five layers, each with its own job. When any of these layers gets damaged or diseased, your vision and eye comfort can suffer.
Epithelium
The outermost layer, about 10% of the cornea’s thickness. It keeps dust, germs, water, and bacteria away from the deeper layers. It also provides a smooth surface that absorbs oxygen and nutrients from your tears.
Bowman’s Layer
A transparent sheet of tissue right below the epithelium. It’s composed of strong, layered protein fibers called collagen.
Stroma
The thickest layer, about 90% of the cornea. Made primarily of water and collagen with no blood vessels. The unique shape of the stroma determines how well light is focused into the eye.
Descemet’s Membrane
A thin but strong sheet of tissue under the stroma. Serves as a protective layer against infection and injury.
Endothelium
The thin, innermost layer. Endothelial cells are essential in keeping the cornea clear. These cells are sensitive to disease and trauma. Once destroyed, they are lost forever.
Common Corneal Diseases
The cornea is strong and resilient, but it can be affected by many conditions. Some are temporary and easily treated. Others need ongoing care. Either way, we can help.
- Dry Eye Syndrome. One of the most common conditions we treat. Causes burning, scratchy, or watery eyes.
- Allergies. Eye allergies cause itching, redness, and watery discharge.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye). Inflammation that causes redness and sometimes discharge. Can be bacterial, viral, or allergic.
- Corneal Infections. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that need prompt treatment to prevent scarring.
- Fuchs’ Dystrophy. A progressive disease affecting the endothelium layer that leads to swelling and blurred vision.
- Keratoconus. A condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted vision.
Dry Eye Self-Test
Dry eye is one of the most common reasons patients come to see us. Answer these 6 questions to find out if you might have dry eye syndrome. This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
1. Do your eyes feel scratchy, gritty, or like there’s sand in them?
2. Do your eyes burn or sting throughout the day?
3. Do your eyes water excessively, especially in wind or cold?
4. Do your eyes feel tired after reading or using a computer or phone?
5. Do you wake up with crusty or stuck-together eyelids?
6. Do you find yourself using over-the-counter eye drops more than once a day?
How We Treat Cornea Conditions
Treatment depends on which condition you have and how severe it is. We start with the least invasive option and only move up if needed.
Eye Drops
Prescription or specialty drops for dry eye, allergies, and infections.
Medication
Oral or topical medications for infection, inflammation, and chronic conditions.
Procedures
In-office procedures for advanced dry eye, blocked tear ducts, and surface issues.
Surgery
For conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy and advanced keratoconus when other options don’t work.
Cornea Care Specialists
Our doctors who specialize in cornea conditions and dry eye treatment.
Locations Offering Cornea Care
Schedule Your Visit
If you have any of these corneal conditions or symptoms, call Vision Care of Maine today. We’ll evaluate your eyes and talk through your treatment options.