Microcornea
Microcornea is a condition where the horizontal diameter of the cornea is less than 10 mm in a normally sized eyeball. The cornea is the transparent dome at the front of the eye that allows light to be refracted for clear vision.
Due to the small size of the cornea, microcornea can lead to insufficient light refraction and vision defects. The goal of microcornea treatment is to improve vision and reduce light sensitivity. This rare eye condition can affect one or both eyes.
With microcornea treatment, many patients can achieve near-normal vision.
What Causes Microcornea?
Microcornea is a rare condition that affects approximately 0.06% of the population. It can affect both genders equally and usually appears at birth or in early life. The exact cause of microcornea is unknown.
However, several factors are thought to play a role, including:
Symptoms of Microcornea
Microcornea is characterized by a smaller than normal cornea. The most common symptoms of microcornea include:
How is Microcornea Treated?
The goal of microcornea treatment is to correct the size and shape of the cornea and improve vision. Keratoplasty, a surgical procedure where the damaged part of the cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue, is the most effective method for treating microcornea.
Microcornea can only be corrected through surgical intervention (keratoplasty), and this procedure yields highly successful results. Keratoplasty involves replacing the damaged or diseased layer of the cornea, which affects vision, with healthy tissue from a donor.
When the cornea, which is located at the front of the eye and allows light to reach the retina, loses its transparency or shape, it can lead to vision loss. Keratoplasty is a promising surgical method to restore vision in such cases.
Before keratoplasty, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine if the surgery is suitable for you. They will also gather information about your general health and any medications you are taking.
Prior to surgery, you may need to use certain medications to protect your eyes from infection. Keratoplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia, but general anesthesia may be used in some cases.
The surgery is performed under a microscope and takes about 1-2 hours. The surgeon first removes a portion of the damaged cornea with a round blade. The healthy donor cornea is then appropriately shaped and placed in the patient's eye. The tissue is secured with very fine stitches.
After surgery, your eye will be bandaged for a few days. Your eye doctor will prescribe pain relievers and infection-preventing medications. It may take several weeks or months for your vision to improve. During this period, it is important to protect your eyes and follow your doctor's instructions.
Prognosis of Microcornea
The diagnosis of microcornea is made by an eye doctor through a physical examination. The doctor will use special instruments to measure the size and shape of the cornea. They will also check visual acuity and eye pressure.
The prognosis for microcornea treatment varies depending on the size and shape of the cornea. In mild cases, treatment can significantly improve vision. In more severe cases, treatment may not fully restore vision but can reduce light sensitivity.
The success rate for both full-thickness and lamellar keratoplasty ranges from 70% to 90%.
How Much Does Microcornea Treatment Cost?
The cost of microcornea treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and the procedure to be performed. The treatment plan determined by our specialist eye doctor after a detailed examination may vary from person to person.
For appointment and pricing information, please click here.The information provided above is for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please make an appointment with our doctors.