由 home-healthhaven 
Corneal blindness occurs when the cornea, the clear part of the eye covering the iris and pupil, becomes infected, scarred, or cloudy. Since the cornea plays a crucial role in focusing vision, any damage can lead to significant vision problems.
Several factors can cause corneal blindness, but various treatments are available to tackle them.
**Injury and Abrasion**
Minor scratches on the cornea typically heal, but deeper cuts and abrasions are more problematic, potentially leading to impaired vision. Severe injuries need a longer recovery time and are more susceptible to infection. Both bacterial and fungal infections can erode the cornea, cause discharge, reduce clarity, and result in vision loss.
**Deterioration of Endothelial Cells**
Sometimes, the cornea’s endothelial cells deteriorate without a clear reason. These cells are vital for the endothelium, which pumps water out of the cornea. When these cells weaken, the efficiency of the endothelium decreases, causing water to build up in the cornea, leading to swelling and impaired vision.
**Vitamin A Deficiency**
A severe lack of Vitamin A, typically due to malnutrition, can cause vision loss. This is common in famine-stricken areas where children have little access to Vitamin A-rich foods. In contrast, children in developed regions, who consume a balanced diet, usually get enough Vitamin A to avoid this problem. Foods high in Vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, tropical fruits, kale, and eggs.
**Keratoconus**
Keratoconus is a condition where the middle of the cornea thins out, causing it to bulge outward and distort its shape. This distortion affects the cornea’s ability to focus light properly, leading to blurry vision.
**Lattice Dystrophy**
Lattice dystrophy involves the accumulation of deposits in the cornea’s stroma, forming a lattice-like pattern. Over time, these deposits increase, clouding the stroma and impairing vision.
**Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE)**
ICE syndrome leads to corneal swelling, glaucoma, and changes in the iris, usually affecting one eye. It occurs when endothelial cells move from the cornea to the iris, causing swelling and distortion.
**Treatment**
Glasses can correct vision loss from keratoconus by addressing the cornea’s distorted shape. For severe cases, custom contact lenses may be necessary.
Most corneal blindness from infections is preventable. Trachoma, a prevalent infection in some underdeveloped areas, causes 60% of blindness in children under five. It’s treatable if caught early. Symptoms include eye pain, eyelid scarring, inflammation, ingrown eyelashes, and corneal clouding. If your child shows these symptoms after visiting a trachoma-prone area, see a doctor immediately.
By understanding these causes and treatments, we can take steps to prevent and manage corneal blindness effectively.