Keratitis (Corneal Inflammation)

What it is:

Inflammation affecting over 70,000 people annually

Causes:

Contact lens infections, eye injuries, underlying diseases

Symptoms:

Eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision

Risk:

Can lead to blindness if untreated

Corneal Dystrophies

What they are:

Inherited conditions either distorting or dulling the cornea

Common types:

Fuchs' dystrophy (affects 4% of adults), Map-Dot-Fingerprint dystrophy

Symptoms:

Cloudy vision, light sensitivity, vision fluctuations

Note:

Progressive and often run in families

Dry Eye Syndrome

What it is:

Disrupted tear film production leading to corneal damage

Symptoms:

Grittiness, burning, itching, redness, blurred vision

Risk:

Increases vulnerability to infections and damage

Keratoconus

What it is:

Progressive corneal thinning causing cone-shaped bulging

Onset:

Typically begins in teenage years

Symptoms:

Blurred vision, light sensitivity, night vision problems

Corneal Ulcers

What it is:

Open sores on the corneal surface

Causes:

Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), injuries, health conditions, contact lens abuse

Severity:

Serious condition requiring immediate attention