Definition
The cornea is the thin transparent membrane that covers the front of the eye. Thanks to its transparency, through the cornea it is possible to see the iris and the pupil, structurally in continuity with the sclera (the white part of the eye).
The cornea has three important functions in vision: protection, filtration of some ultraviolet wavelengths and refraction. To allow the correct passage of light towards the internal structures of the eye, the cornea must be totally transparent. Therefore, pathologies that alter its transparency can lead to reduced vision and, in some cases, blindness.
Corneal opacity can result from inflammation and infection. Possible causes include keratitis of various kinds, leukoma, trachoma, severe dry eye syndromes, ulcers, dystrophies and vitamin A deficiency (xerophthalmia). Corneal transparency can also be compromised by burns caused by chemical agents, trauma (penetration of foreign bodies or abrasions of the ocular surface), corneal neovascularization and formation of scar tissue.
Possible Causes * of corneal opacity
- Herpes simplex keratitis
- Keratoconus
- Iridocyclitis
- Ichthyosis
- Gaucher disease
- Neurofibromatosis
- Dry eye syndrome
- Trachoma
- Corneal ulcer
- Uveitis
