Understanding Corneal Scars and Treatment Options

A corneal scar can block or distort light entering the eye, leading to decreased vision. An infection, injury, or disease often causes corneal scars. If left untreated, they can significantly impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

What Causes a Corneal Scar?

• Infections: Infections such as bacterial keratitis can result in corneal scarring. Subclinical corneal infections may also act as persistent stimuli to the repair process.
• Injuries: Trauma to the cornea can cause scarring. Penetrating injuries with foreign objects, such as wood chips, can also lead to corneal scars.
• Diseases: Conditions like keratoconus, where the cornea thins and bulges, can result in scarring, especially with excessive eye rubbing or contact lens wear.
• Surgical Procedures: Procedures such as anterior lamellar keratectomy can lead to corneal opacity if transparent stromal remodeling does not occur. Even eyelash lifts and laser eye surgery pose a slight risk of corneal scarring.

Symptoms of a Corneal Scar?

A corneal scar can affect vision and overall eye health:

• Blurry vision and distorted sight<
• Hazy or cloudy vision affecting daily activities<
• Intense eye pain or discomfort<
• Very red, watery eyes due to irritation<
• Gradual or sudden changes in vision clarity<
• Discomfort in your eyes (foreign body sensation)<

How is a Corneal Scar Diagnosed?

An eye doctor can diagnose corneal scars through several methods:

• Slit-lamp exam: A slit lamp is a microscope with a bright light that allows the doctor to see the cornea.
• Corneal topography scan: This scan identifies abnormalities, including scarring.
• Anterior segment imaging: Useful in evaluating corneal keloid, particularly when associated with anterior segment dysgenesis. Ultrasound biomicroscopy reveals thickened cornea and iridocorneal anatomy.
• Visual acuity test: Reading letters on a wall chart tests the clarity of central vision.
• In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM): Can identify spores and hyphae in Candida keratitis for early detection and management.

What are the Treatment Options for Corneal Scar?

Treatment depends on the severity of the scarring and its impact on vision:

• Non-Surgical Treatments for Mild Corneal Scarring
  • Prescription Eye Drops: Steroid or antibiotic eye drops can reduce inflammation and protect against additional damage, but they cannot reverse deep scars.
  • Laser Treatment for Corneal Scar Removal: Laser resurfacing can smooth the cornea’s surface and reduce opacity in mild scarring.
  • Nutritional Support for Corneal Healing: Ensuring proper eye healing through nutrients, including vitamins A and E, may help with minor corneal abrasions.
• Surgical Treatments for Severe Corneal Scars
  • Corneal Transplant Surgery (Keratoplasty): This involves replacing the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue and is effective for vision restoration. At Madurai Eye Center, we have a specialized transplant team dedicated to coordinating and providing the best care for corneal transplant patients.
  • Excimer Laser Treatment for Corneal Scar Removal (PTK): PTK removes damaged tissue layers and is suitable for surface-level scarring. Our state-of-the-art excimer LASER facility at Madurai Eye Center ensures precise and effective PTK treatment for superficial corneal scars.
  • Amniotic Membrane Transplantation: Can be combined with superficial keratectomy to manage corneal keloid and promote corneal healing.

Can a Corneal Scar Heal on Its Own?

Minor corneal scratches can heal without permanent scarring in one to two days. However, deeper damage may result in a scar that affects transparency, requiring treatment. If you have persistent blurry vision or discomfort, it’s essential to seek professional care to prevent worsening eye health.

Why Choose Madurai Eye Center for Corneal Scar Treatment?

At Madurai Eye Center, we offer world-class treatment for corneal conditions with cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team of specialists. Our corneal transplant team ensures seamless coordination for keratoplasty procedures, while our excimer LASER facility provides advanced PTK treatment for superficial corneal scars.

Dr. Naveen Keshav, an experienced corneal transplant surgeon, will personally guide you in making the best decision for your eye health. With a strong focus on patient-centric care and cutting-edge advancements in ophthalmology, our goal is to restore vision and enhance quality of life.

Don’t let a corneal scar affect your quality of life. Schedule a consultation today at Madurai Eye Center and take the first step toward clearer vision!

Schedule an appointment at Madurai Eye Center (RS Puram & Kuniyamuthur), or call us at +91 9626613737 to know more