Corneal & external diseases of the eye
An overview of Providence Health Care's services and resources for patients with corneal & external diseases of the eye.
Overview
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window in the front of your eye. It focuses light so you can see clearly.
The cornea also protects your eye from dirt, germs and other harmful particles. It works with the sclera (the white of your eye) and the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is the tissue that covers the sclera and inner part of your upper and lower eyelids.
Corneal diseases can cause swelling, scarring or cloudiness. They may blur vision, cause pain and increase sensitivity to light. In severe cases, they can lead to blindness.
You can get corneal diseases from contact lenses, trauma and injury, and infections. You can also get these diseases from acquired conditions, genetic mutations and inflammation.
Diagnosis & testing
To diagnose corneal and external diseases of the eye, your doctor will examine your eyes. They will also ask about your medical history and symptoms.
They may use tests such as:
Treatment & management
Your treatment will depend on the cause of your condition. Early treatment is important to prevent complications like vision loss.
Common options include:
- Medications. We may prescribe eye drops, ointment or pills. These can reduce swelling, treat infections or ease discomfort.
- Special contact lenses. We may refer you to contact lens specialists. They can fit you with lenses designed to improve your vision or support your cornea.
- Surgical procedures. We may recommend laser treatments, corneal transplants or artificial corneas.
Clinics that treat corneal diseases
Support services
Providence Health Care offers a variety of services to support those we care for. The following services may be of use or benefit to you and your families.
Support for Indigenous Peoples
The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca
Clinical trials & research
Advances in treatments are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make for yourself in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this area so please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.
By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about advancing health outcomes and find better ways to help people live and thrive. While you cannot assume benefit to yourself, your participation can make a difference in improving care for future patients.
The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information or contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.