Corneal Repair

The eye is one of the most remarkable organs in the human body. The cornea – the clear front surface of the eye – is primarily known for allowing light to enter the eye; but the cornea plays double duty with another very important function. The cornea provides approximately 65-75 percent of the focusing power of the eye.

The eyes, in conjunction with other bodily functions, work hard to keep vision clear and rely heavily on natural regeneration to self-repair and heal when necessary. This is especially true for the cornea since it stands on the front line and can endure wounds, scars, erosion problems and other issues.

It’s important to know that, depending on the severity of the condition, corneas can be repaired.

Learn about corneal repair and how amniotic tissue (stem cells) can address corneal wounds and scars, poor healing on the eye surface with corneal erosion problems, and severe dry eye:

Symptoms of Corneal Conditions

Despite injury or disease, the cornea can still repair itself quickly. However, there are situations where damage is too severe for the cornea to heal on its own – such as with a deep injury to the cornea.

The following symptoms may indicate that the cornea has sustained a substantial infection, injury or disease:

Blurred vision
Pain
Redness
Tearing
Extreme sensitivity to light
Corneal scarring

Should you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, it’s imperative to contact the eye experts at iCare Vision immediately. These symptoms may mean a more serious issue is present or special treatment is necessary.

Recurrent Corneal Erosion (RCE)

Recurrent corneal erosion is a very painful, chronic, relapsing condition on the front part of the cornea where the cornea’s outermost layer of epithelial cells fail to attach to the underlying basement membrane.

Because the corneal tissue is one of the most nerve sensitive areas of the body, the pain can be nearly unbearable.

RCE can cause corneal scarring – among other issues – that can lead to visual changes. Patients can become debilitated by the pain and experience visual deficits.

Typically, there is a family history of recurrent corneal erosions, and they usually occur in one eye in the middle of the night or immediately after opening the eyes in the morning.

Treatment can vary with this condition. In some patients, stem cells and patching have been shown to effectively address this corneal issue.

Stem Cells & the Cornea

Simply put: Clear vision requires a clear cornea.

Since the surface of the cornea constantly renews itself, it is able to support an unblemished, uniformly refractive surface. When cells are washed away from the surface, new ones form from the small number of stem cells that are located at the edge of the cornea.

When these stem cells are damaged, the renewal and repair process is compromised and suspended. With a complete or partial loss of these stem cells – also known as limbal stem-cell deficiency (LSCD) – an opaque conjunctiva can grow over the cornea and cause severe pain. In some cases, blindness can occur.

Using Amniotic Tissue (Stem Cells) to Address Corneal Injuries & Issues

Living with or sustaining a cornea condition does not necessarily mean permanent vision loss or issues. Through science and advanced studies, a range of treatment options are available – depending on the severity of the condition.

With advances in stem cell technology, viable treatment options – that foster anti-inflammatory and pro-healing properties – have expanded.

Using amniotic tissue, a wide range of corneal conditions can be treated and wound healing can be reignited and stimulated.

Corneal repair using amniotic tissue is designated for the treatment of:

Corneal wounds and scars
Poor healing on the eye surface with corneal erosion problems
Severe dry eye syndrome
Other corneal conditions

Amniotic tissue can jumpstart the healing process and can reduce haze and provide pain relief, which results in improved visual acuity.

Trust the Treatment of Your Eyes to the Experts at iCare Vision

If you or a loved one has experienced or lives with a corneal infection, injury or disease – or are experiencing symptoms of corneal conditions – come see us for a thorough examination and diagnosis.

The health and longevity of your vision is our mission, and through corneal repair treatment options, we’re here to do everything we can to restore clear, comfortable vision for you.

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