CORNEAL EDEMA

The cornea is the transparent part of the eye. Only by remaining transparent can light enter the eye to allow us to see. When fluid accumulates within the cornea, this swelling (edema) of the cornea results in loss of transparency and cloudiness of the cornea.

Treatment:

• In patients with mild corneal edema and minimal blurring,   saline drops and ointment can help reduce the corneal swelling.
• If the corneal edema becomes more advanced, corneal transplant surgery may be needed to replace the inner lining of corneal cells.    This form of partial corneal transplant is known as DSAEK (Descement Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty).

In advanced cases of corneal dema, then a full-thickness corneal transplant (or Penetrating Keratoplasty) may then be required.