Ocular surface diseases include any dysfunction of the surface layers of the eye
We can treat many corneal conditions with eye drops, medications, laser treatment and surgery
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Useful information about corneal surface disorders
Ocular surface diseases include any dysfunction of structures within the cornea (the clear membrane overlying the coloured part of the eye), conjunctiva (the clear membrane overlying the white of the eye), eyelids and lacrimal glands.
As people are living longer, these disorders are becoming more prevalent, but awareness about them is quite limited.
Ocular surface diseases include conditions such as:
- Pterygium & Eye Surface Cancers: significant UV exposure can cause abnormal growths of tissue on the conjunctiva, causing redness and irritation. These can grow further and progress onto the cornea, which in turn can affect vision.
- Injuries: Small abrasions (scratches) on the cornea that can usually heal on their own. Deeper scratches or other injuries can cause corneal scarring and vision problems.
- Allergies: Allergies to pollen can irritate the eyes and cause allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye). This can make your eyes red, itchy, and watery.
- Keratitis: Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea. Infections related to contact lenses and viruses are some of the most common causes of keratitis.
- Dry eye: Dry eye is a very complex and multifactorial condition where your tears destabilise due to inflammation and/or deficiencies in oil and aqueous (water). This can cause discomfort (grittiness and irritation), red-eye, and even blurred vision.
- Corneal dystrophies: There are many corneal dystrophies, and these can cause cloudy vision due to anomalies in the cornea. These diseases usually run in families.
There are also a number of less common diseases that can affect the cornea including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and iridocorneal endothelial syndrome (ICE).
Ocular surface disorders can severely affect eyesight and quality of life, and in severe cases, can even cause loss of vision.
The cornea is your eye’s clear, protective outer layer. Along with the sclera (the white of your eye), it serves as a barrier against dirt, germs, and other objects that can cause damage to the eye.
The cornea also plays a key role in vision. As light enters your eye, it gets refracted, or bent, by the cornea’s curved shape. This helps to determine how well your eye can focus on objects close-up and far away.
If your cornea is damaged by disease, infection or an injury, the resulting scars can affect your vision. They might block or distort light as it enters your eye.
It may be necessary to see a specialist if you experience any persistent or progressive symptoms with your eyes, such as:
- Red
- Uncomfortable
- Painful
- Sensitivity to light
- Reduced vision
We can check for corneal conditions as part of a comprehensive eye exam. The exam is simple and painless.
Laser treatment. To treat some corneal disorders, we use a type of laser treatment called phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) to reshape the cornea and remove scar tissue, therebymaking vision clearer.
Corneal transplant surgery. If we cannot repair the damage to your cornea, we can remove the damaged part and replace it with healthy corneal tissue from a donor.
Artificial cornea. As an alternative to corneal transplant, doctors can replace a damaged cornea with an artificial cornea, called a keratoprosthesis (KPro).
How to get help at OKKO Eye Specialist Centre
Get the eye treatment you need in 3 easy steps
Step 1 – Reach out
Give us a call on: 3725 0222 and we’ll guide you towards an initial consultation.
Step 2 – We’ll meet
During your initial consultation, we will take a detailed medical history and examination to make an accurate assessment of the issue at hand.
Step 3 – Your vitality restored
We will treat you at one of our state-of-the-art Brisbane eye clinic facilities, giving you the optimism and confidence to re-engage with life.
We’ve helped thousands of Queenlanders rejuvenate their eyes
“Very friendly and professional staff. Dr Russell is extremely informative and has a really positive presence. The doctor and all of the staff ensured all my questions were answered fully. I left the surgery feeling as if I’d been really well cared for.”
“The staff are all friendly and helpful.”
“Dr Russell and the entire team should be commended for their genuine care and personal attention. They made every possible effort to explain and clarify the treatment required and made sure I was comfortable through the consultation treatment.”
“Dr Russell is my hubby’s specialist for years. We love him. Such a kind person and always spends time to explain everything.”
“Many thanks for your care and skill and a big thanks to all your staff for their friendly care and professionalism shown each time I have visited.”
“My wife came to see Dr Russell today and we wanted to say thank you to all the staff for the kind and professional service. We are also extremely grateful for Dr Russell’s generosity when it came to us paying for the consultation. We wanted to reach out and say thank you so much!”
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Insurers
We’ve got you covered, OKKO is pleased to work with all the insurers below:
Australian Unity
ACA
CBHS
CBHS Corporate
CDH
CUA Health
Doctors’ Health
Emergency Services
GMHBA
GU Health Corporate
HBF
HCI
Health Partners
Health.com.au
HIF
Latrobe
MDHF
MO Health
Navy Health
Nurses and Midwives
Onemedifund
Peoplecare
Phoenix
Police
QCH
Reserve Bank
RT Health Fund
St Lukes
Teachers Health
Teachers Health
Westfund
Links to authoritative resources on corneal surface treatment
Our Brisbane eye specialists
We are dedicated to providing you with the best possible eye health and vision outcomes
Dr. Matthew Russell, MBChB, FRANZCO
Brisbane Eye Surgeon
I am a specialist ophthalmic micro surgeon, internationally trained retinal surgeon, medical retinal diseases specialist and cataract surgeon. With a career that spans over 15 years, I have mastered the ability to achieve the most precise results that help patients regain their confidence and youthful energy.
Dr Judy Ku, MBChB, FRANZCO
Specialist ophthalmic surgeon
I am a specialist in glaucoma, cornea & external diseases and cataract surgery. I am passionate about assisting my patients to achieve their full visual potential. I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to restore sight and to improve people’s quality of life.