{"id":27935,"date":"2023-08-24T16:44:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T14:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/corneal-opacity-what-does-that-mean\/"},"modified":"2026-08-30T20:22:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T18:22:31","slug":"corneal-opacity-what-does-that-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/corneal-opacity-what-does-that-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"Corneal opacity – what does that mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The cornea is a transparent layer of the human eye.
\nIf the cornea is cloudy, vision is impaired.
\nIn this article, you can find out how to recognize corneal clouding, what causes it and what treatment options are available. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is corneal opacity?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The cornea<\/a><\/span> lies above the pupil and the iris and consists of five different layers.
\nEach of these layers is transparent so that light can penetrate the eye undisturbed, resulting in clear vision. <\/span><\/p>\n

The posterior layer has pump cells that control the exchange of aqueous humor in the eye.
\nIf the function of the pump cells is impaired, too much aqueous humor enters the eye, causing swelling (oedema).
\nThis leads to clouding of the cornea.
\nClouding is also possible due to scarring of the cornea. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Drawing<\/p>\n

Consequences of corneal opacity <\/b><\/h2>\n

Due to corneal opacity, the transparency of the cornea is reduced and light transmission is impaired.
\nThis causes the image to be projected onto the retina out of focus, resulting in blurred vision for those affected. <\/span><\/p>\n

Causes of corneal opacity<\/b>
\n<\/b>There are several causes that lead to corneal opacity.
\nThese include the following: <\/span><\/h2>\n

Injuries and inflammation of the cornea <\/b><\/h3>\n

If the cornea is injured, swelling (edema) can occur if the pump cells are damaged.
\nCorneal scars often form as a result of injuries, which also lead to clouding. <\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, various bacteria, fungi and viruses (e.g. herpes viruses) can penetrate the cornea more quickly as a result of injuries and cause inflammation.
\nInflammation increases the risk of corneal clouding. <\/span><\/p>\n

Eye diseases<\/b><\/h3>\n

Eye diseases can also cause corneal opacity.
\nThese include keratoconus (cone-shaped protrusion of the cornea) or Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, which is hereditary. <\/span><\/p>\n

Corneal opacity after laser eye surgery<\/b><\/h3>\n

Corneal clouding can occur as a complication after laser eye surgery<\/a>.
\nHowever, it is often only a slight clouding that can be treated with medication. <\/span><\/p>\n