Cornea Problems

Corneal problems include conditions like irregular shape, infections, allergies and dry eye, according to the National Eye Institute. The cornea is the outer layer of the eye that covers the front of the eye.

Irregular Curvature

• Irregular curvature of the cornea results in vision problems because the cornea has difficulty directing light precisely to the retina. Excessive curvature causes nearsightedness. Uneven curvature causes blurring, or astigmatism. Insufficient curvature causes farsightedness.

Infections

• Infections can result from injury by a foreign object or a contaminated contact lens or other material. Pain, itching, inflammation and scarring can occur. Treatment includes eye drops and oral antibiotics. The shingles infection can cause damage to the eye. Ocular herpes, another infection, can cause blindness.

Other Problems

• Some other corneal problems are allergies that can cause tearing, redness, burning and itching. Dry eye can result from hormonal problems or, more seriously, from Stevens-Johnson syndrome, in which tears cannot be produced. Artificial tears and corticosteroids may be prescribed.