Corneal disease

What is corneal disease?

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. Corneal disease includes any condition that affects the cornea and blocks some or all light, reducing vision.

What causes corneal disease?

Corneal disease may be caused by damage from:

• scratches or sharp objects
• chemicals getting into the eye
• infection (including viruses, bacteria, and fungi), such as Acanthamoeba keratitis
• disorders that change the cornea’s shape or thickness, such as keratoconus
• corneal dystrophy, a group of conditions that affect the cornea and are often inherited, such as Meesmann corneal dystrophy and Fuchs' dystrophy
• other health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

What are the signs and symptoms of corneal disease?

Damage to the cornea may cause reduced vision, redness, pain or discharge. Infectious corneal ulcers are generally very painful. Other symptoms will depend on the type of corneal disease you have. 

How is corneal disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination by an eye specialist, who will look for signs of damage, infection, or abnormalities in the cornea. Various tests and imaging techniques may be used to determine the specific cause and extent of the corneal disease.

Is corneal disease serious?

Corneal disease can be serious as it affects the clear front surface of the eye, which is crucial for vision. Severe damage or infection can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness if not treated promptly and effectively.

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What are the treatments for corneal disease?

Treatments for corneal disease will depend on the specific cause and may include eye drops, antibiotics, and vitamins. But there are limited options. One option is to have a corneal transplant, which is surgery to remove the damaged cornea and replace it with a healthy one from a donor.

We helped to establish the UK Corneal Transplant Service, which has helped restore sight to tens of thousands of people. The service went on to open the Bristol Eye Bank, introducing organ culture storage of corneas to the UK for the first time. Today, the Bristol Eye Bank is one of the largest in Europe.

Unfortunately, there is a huge shortage of donors. This means that only a few of the 1.5 million people each year who could benefit from a corneal transplant are able to have one. 

What can help corneal disease?

Wearing safety glasses or protective goggles can shield the eye from injury when working with hazardous or airborne materials. This may also work for certain sports or activities at home such as DIY, gardening, or setting off fireworks.

People who wear contact lenses are at increased risk of corneal infection, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis. Good contact lens hygiene is vital, for example not sleeping in lenses and always using the proper cleaning solution. Never shower or swim in contact lenses.

What research is there into corneal disease?

Our research aims to restore sight lost to corneal disease. Because there is such a shortage of donors, we have a focus on finding ways to repair or replace damaged cells in the cornea.

One of our research projects at University College London is looking at genetic data in people with a type of corneal disease called Fuchs' dystrophy, to understand how many people with a certain genetic fault develop the condition and how it changes as it is passed from parent to child. 

This research could ultimately lead to the development of new treatments – such as innovative gene therapies – which could help prevent or slow down sight loss in this condition. It could also lead to more accurate genetic counselling for families affected by Fuchs' dystrophy – helping them to better plan for the future.

See our research projects