La cornea It is a transparent fabric that protects iris and crystalline, and that allows the light from the outside to penetrate into the eye so that the images can be projected on the retina. In ophthalmology, it is known as corneal edema to abnormal fluid retention in the cornea and one of the main causes of this fluid retention is inflammation.
Depending on the cause that is causing such fluid retention, different types of corneal edema can be classified. In Área Oftalmológica Avanzada, we will explain what corneal edema is and how we should treat it.
What is a corneal edema?
El corneal edema It is the retention of fluid in the cornea and its most frequent cause is due to inflammation. This abnormal fluid retention causes corneal opacification, caused by the increased thickness of the corneal plates due to aqueous retention.
Corneal edema, if not treated in time, can affect the most superficial layer of the cornea, known as corneal epithelium. When this layer is damaged, it becomes cloudy and deformed, which causes the light to be reflected irregularly.
Corneal edema is usually a medical condition. progressive and, in many cases, it is irreversible.
Types of corneal edema
Corneal edemas can be classified according to their cause as follows:
- Primary endothelial defect: occurs as a result of a genetic or inherited disease such as Fuchs dystrophy, congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy or subsequent polymorphic dystrophy.
- Secondary endothelial defect: edema is a consequence of inflammations or trauma. Occasionally, it may also be the result of some eye surgery, which is known as post surgical corneal edema.
- Intraocular pressure: the high intraocular pressure It can cause fluid retention in the cornea. This type of edema occurs acutely and directly affects the corneal epithelium.
- Epithelial alteration: it is less frequent and is produced by an alteration in the epithelium caused by corneal erosions or trauma
Most Common Symptoms
The most significant symptom of corneal edema is the feeling of having a foreign object or body inside the eye along with constant tearing y excesivo.
Before these symptoms, we must go immediately to the ophthalmologist to obtain a diagnosis, because corneal edema manifests itself in a very similar way to other ophthalmological conditions. A clear example may be the Cataracts.
Other symptoms that may occur due to corneal edema are:
- Photophobia or sensitivity to light which forces the person to use glasses, even indoors.
- inflammation and redness of the ocular structure.
- Vision problems as a decrease in visual acuity, difficulty perceiving details in objects, blurred vision It improves during the day and difficulty focusing.
Causes of a corneal edema
The origin of corneal edema is the fluid retention It can occur in the body for various reasons. Let's know which are the most frequent:
- Infections such as virus of ocular herpes.
- Toxins present in the ocular structure.
- Trauma or erosions
- Genetic or inherited diseases such as Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, which causes the loss of endothelial cells.
- Segment inflammations previous as the uveitis, keratitis or rejection of corneal transplant.
- Use of contact lenses in bad been for a long time.
- Complications after eye surgery. For example, after a cataract operation.
Diagnosis
Due to the similarity that the symptoms of corneal edema have with other eye diseases, its diagnosis can be a bit complex. To diagnose corneal edema, it is essential that the ophthalmologist carefully examine the ocular structure to detect damage to the cornea or epithelium.
Subsequently, the ophthalmologist should also perform several eye tests, such as a background study with slit lamp, specular microscopy y optical pachymetry to know the thickness of the cornea.
Depending on the patient's symptomatology and the results of the tests mentioned above, we will need to measure the Intraocular pressure y check the position of the intraocular lens in cases of corneal edema after surgery of Cataracts.
It is important to verify that it does not exist vitreous humor in the anterior segment of the eye, as this can also decompensate the function of the cornea.
Corneal Edema Treatment
To treat corneal edema, it is necessary to attack the origin of fluid retention. Thus, treatment options are varied depending on the cause of the edema:
- When endothelial cells they are damaged and the excess fluid in the cornea cannot be removed, the treatment is aimed at controlling edema through medication.
- When the cause of edema is the Intraocular pressure elevated, the patient should consume medications such as brimonidine and beta-adrenergic blockers to prevent glaucoma.
- In cases where corneal edema is caused by improper use of contact lenses, the ophthalmologist may recommend limiting their use, changing them or opting for lenses made of another material.
- In severe cases of corneal edema, the doctor may evaluate the need for surgical treatment such as endothelial keratoplasty and even a corneal transplant.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of eye ailments. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have symptoms associated with ocular edema. We will wait for you!
