The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of the eye. Problems can range from a mild scratch that heals in days to conditions requiring a transplant to restore vision.
The cornea has no blood supply of its own, which is one reason infections can escalate faster than expected. Some corneal symptoms require same-day medical attention.
| Symptom | What It Could Mean | How Urgent |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden eye pain, redness and light sensitivity — especially if you wear contact lenses | Possible corneal ulcer or infection (microbial keratitis) | See a doctor the same day It can worsen within hours. |
| A foreign-body sensation right after an injury or scratch | Possible corneal abrasion | Get examined within 24 hours |
| A whitish or greyish spot visible on the coloured part of the eye | Possible corneal scar or ulcer | Same-day evaluation |
| Gradual blurring or distorted vision, often with frequent eye rubbing | Possible keratoconus | Book a cornea consultation |
| Persistent watering, redness or grittiness with no obvious cause | Possible dry eye or surface irritation | Book a routine consultation |
Every corneal transplant depends on donated corneal tissue because there is no artificial substitute that can replace donor tissue for keratoplasty.
Drishti Netralaya's eye bank partnership helps make corneal transplant procedures possible at the hospital, reducing the need for patients to be referred elsewhere and wait through a separate donor allocation process.
To learn more about corneal donation and eye banking, visit the Eye Bank Association of America .
Yes — a corneal ulcer needs prompt treatment. If left untreated, it can permanently scar the cornea and, in severe cases, threaten the structural integrity of the eye. Same-day evaluation is important when a corneal ulcer is suspected.
Its progression can often be halted with corneal collagen cross-linking when the condition is still active, particularly in younger patients. Cross-linking does not reverse existing corneal changes, which is why early diagnosis can provide more treatment options.
Corneal transplant outcomes are generally good, although success depends on the underlying condition, the affected corneal layer, and how well the graft is tolerated. Your cornea specialist can discuss the expected outcome for your individual case.
Not necessarily. Many patients with keratoconus continue wearing contact lenses, often using rigid gas permeable lenses that maintain their shape better over an irregular corneal surface. The appropriate option depends on the stage of keratoconus and how well your vision is corrected.
Donor corneal tissue comes from eye donations and is processed and supplied through eye bank partnerships. Corneal transplantation depends on people being willing to donate, because suitable donor tissue is essential for transplant surgery.
Yes. An initial consultation for most corneal concerns can usually be arranged at either the Dhemaji or Machkhowa centre. If specialist treatment or surgery is required, you can then be referred to the main Drishti Netralaya hospital in Dibrugarh.
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