**Corneal Opacity**
**Definition**
Corneal opacity refers to the loss of transparency of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. This condition results in partial or complete clouding of the cornea, leading to impaired vision.
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### Overview
The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina. When the cornea becomes opaque, light transmission is disrupted, causing blurred vision or blindness depending on the severity. Corneal opacity can affect one or both eyes and varies in size and density.
### Causes
Corneal opacity may arise from various factors including infections (such as bacterial, viral, or fungal keratitis), trauma, chemical burns, congenital disorders, or inflammatory diseases. Scarring from previous injuries or surgeries is also a common cause.
### Symptoms
Symptoms typically include decreased visual acuity, glare, halos around lights, and sometimes eye pain or redness if associated with active inflammation.
### Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, involving slit-lamp examination to assess the extent and location of the opacity. Additional tests may be performed to identify underlying causes.
### Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Mild cases may require medication or observation, while severe opacities often necessitate surgical intervention such as corneal transplantation to restore vision.
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**Meta Description:**
Corneal opacity is the clouding of the cornea that impairs vision. It results from infections, injuries, or other eye conditions and may require medical or surgical treatment.