Corneal hydrops vs. bullous keratopathy, edema / swelling - A State of Sight #53

Corneal hydrops and bullous keratopathy both result in swelling and clouding of the cornea from different causes. In this episode of A State of Sight, Isaac Porter, MD explains the differences between these two eye problems.

Corneal hydrops results from a break in the inner layer of the cornea in patients with keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, and keratoglobus (which are all forms of corneal ectasia). This inner layer break allows fluid to enter the cornea causing edema and clouding. With time, this break it naturally repaired by the cornea and the swelling decreases, but a scar may be left behind.

Bullous keratopathy usually is the result of one or more eye operations that prematurely age the inner layer (endothelium) of the cornea. The endothelium is responsible for pumping fluid out from the cornea to keep it thin and clear, and when it is not working properly, swelling can result. This generally worsens over time and can require a corneal transplant to restore clarity.

Any questions about corneal hydrops or bullous keratopathy? Please post!

http://eyeporter.com
  / eyeporter  
twitter @eyeporter