{"id":6520,"date":"2020-06-23T12:39:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-23T12:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/wordpress\/?page_id=6520"},"modified":"2021-12-13T13:44:06","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T13:44:06","slug":"corneal-dystrophies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/guide-to-corneal-diseases\/corneal-dystrophies\/","title":{"rendered":"Corneal Dystrophies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Corneal conditions can permantly impact your vision.<\/b><\/h2>\n

The cornea is the clear, protective outer layer of the eye. It\u2019s primary function is to act as a barrier and filter for the eye\u2014 preventing harmful particles from penetrating the eye, and filtering out the sun’s ultraviolet rays.<\/b><\/p>\n

What is the primary function of the cornea?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The cornea plays an essential role in your vision.<\/b><\/p>\n

As light enters the eye, it first reaches the cornea, the clear dome-like structure at the front of the eye. At At the cornea, the light is refracted, or bent, according to the shape of the cornea. The curvature, or shape of the cornea, determines the eye\u2019s focusing abilities of the eyes.<\/p>\n

What are corneal dystrophies?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Corneal dystrophies are diseases that cause structural problems within the cornea. More than 20 types of corneal dystrophies have been discovered.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The most common corneal dystrophies include:<\/i><\/p>\n

1. Keratoconus<\/b><\/h2>\n

Keratoconus <\/a>is a progressive disease that causes thinning and reshaping of the cornea. A distorted shape of the cornea, similar to a cone, leads to vision changes\u2014 usually a mild to severe astigmatism<\/a>, and nearsightedness<\/a>. Keratoconus can also cause corneal swelling and scarring, and even vision loss.<\/p>\n

Keratoconus is often diagnosed among teens and young adults, and progresses for up to 20 years until it plateaus.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of keratoconus;<\/h3>\n