Bullous Keratopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Bullous keratopathy is a condition that affects the cornea of the eye, causing it to become swollen and develop blisters. It is usually caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, infection, and aging. The condition can lead to vision loss if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have bullous keratopathy.
Causes of Bullous Keratopathy
Bullous keratopathy can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Eye injury or trauma
- Previous eye surgery, such as cataract surgery
- Corneal dystrophy
- Glaucoma
- Herpes simplex virus
- Long-term use of contact lenses
Symptoms of Bullous Keratopathy
The symptoms of bullous keratopathy may include:
- Eye pain and discomfort
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Redness and swelling of the eye
- Feeling of a foreign body in the eye
Treatment of Bullous Keratopathy
The treatment of bullous keratopathy depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be treated with eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation and pain. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the blisters and restore vision. Some of the surgical options include:
- Corneal transplant: This involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with a healthy one from a donor.
- Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK): This is a less invasive form of corneal transplant that only replaces the damaged inner layer of the cornea.
- Endothelial keratoplasty (EK): This is another type of corneal transplant that only replaces the damaged inner layer of the cornea.
If you suspect that you may have bullous keratopathy, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss and improve your quality of life.