Ocular surface disease

Ocular surface diseases are disorders of the surface of the cornea, the transparent layer that forms the front of the eye. These diseases include dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, rosacea, allergies, scarring from glaucoma medications, chemical burns, and immunological conditions. Ocular surface diseases can severely affect eyesight and quality of life. Symptoms may include blurry vision, discomfort or pain, redness and itching, and in severe cases, blindness due to corneal scarring. Unfortunately, cases often go undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of understanding of symptoms and inaccurate evaluation. And, as people are living longer, these disorders are becoming more prevalent. With regular checkups, early diagnosis, and timely treatment, doctors can maintain visual acuity in most patients and improve vision in a significant number of patients suffering from ocular surface disease.