Corneal Oedema

A layer of cells (endothelial cells) on the inner surface of the cornea work like a pump, pumping fluid out of the cornea to maintain its transparency. Without this function, the cornea becomes swollen with water, resulting in corneal oedema. The cornea loses its transparency and becomes hazy, resulting in a loss of vision.

Corneal oedema can be caused by any condition that affects the functioning of these endothelial cells:

• Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, an inherent disorder of the cells on the inner surface of the cornea. This usually affects both eyes.
• Unhealthy corneal cells prior to eye surgery or multiple eye surgeries. Subsequently, any procedure within the eye (such as cataract, glaucoma or retinal surgery) can result in corneal oedema.
• Eye trauma causing damage to the corneal cells.
• Acute or chronic glaucoma. High pressures in the eye can damage corneal cells.
• Inflammation of the eye, especially long-term or chronic inflammation, can affect the functioning of the corneal cells resulting in corneal oedema. In these cases, the corneal oedema may not clear even after the pressure or inflammation has been controlled.