2018-2019 Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC), Section 8: External Disease and Cornea

This section covers the anatomy and function of the cornea and external eye, examination techniques, infectious and ocular surface diseases, disorders and surgery of the ocular surface, immune-mediated and neoplastic disorders, congenital anomalies and degenerations, genetics of corneal dystrophies, toxic and traumatic injuries, and corneal transplantation. It also includes eleven original narrated technical videos demonstrating surgical techniques.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 533 pages
\n Publication date: 30 July 2018
\n Publisher: American Academy of Ophthalmology
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The cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye, plays a crucial role in vision and overall eye health. It is a vital component that helps to focus light onto the retina, allowing us to see the world around us. The cornea is made up of several layers, including the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium. The epithelium is the thin, protective layer that covers the surface of the cornea. The stroma is the middle layer, which provides structural support to the cornea. The endothelium is the innermost layer, which is responsible for maintaining the health and hydration of the cornea.

The cornea is essential for protecting the eye from harmful substances and infections. It acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from entering the eye. The cornea also plays a role in regulating the amount of water in the eye, helping to keep it moist and comfortable.

However, the cornea can be affected by a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

Corneal dystrophies: These are a group of diseases that affect the cornea's structure and function. Some common types of corneal dystrophies include keratoconus, Fuchs' dystrophy, and endothelial dystrophy.

Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea thins and bulges, causing distorted vision. It can progress to blindness if not treated early.

Fuchs' dystrophy: Fuchs' dystrophy is a condition that affects the endothelial cells of the cornea. It causes the cornea to become cloudy and scarred, leading to vision loss.

Endothelial dystrophy: Endothelial dystrophy is a condition that affects the endothelium of the cornea. It causes the cornea to become thin and irregular, leading to vision loss.

Infectious and ocular surface diseases: These diseases affect the surface of the eye and the surrounding tissues. Some common types of infectious and ocular surface diseases include conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis (corneal inflammation), and uveitis (eye inflammation).

Ocular surface disorders and surgery: These diseases affect the tissues that surround the eye, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. Some common types of ocular surface disorders include dry eye syndrome, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), and ectropion (inward turning of the eyelid).

Immune-mediated and neoplastic disorders: These diseases affect the immune system and the tissues of the eye. Some common types of immune-mediated and neoplastic disorders include autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, uveitis, and scleritis, as well as cancers such as retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma.

Congenital anomalies and degenerations: These diseases affect the structure and function of the eye from birth. Some common types of congenital anomalies and degenerations include cataracts, glaucoma, and amblyopia (lazy eye).

To diagnose and treat these diseases and conditions, ophthalmologists use a variety of examination techniques, including:

Visual acuity testing: This test measures the clarity of vision.

Slit lamp examination: This test allows the ophthalmologist to examine the surface of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens.

Corneal topography: This test uses a special machine to create a map of the cornea's surface. It can help detect abnormalities such as keratoconus and other corneal dystrophies.

Corneal staining: This test uses dyes to stain the cornea and help identify abnormalities such as corneal dystrophies and infections.

Corneal endothelial cell count: This test measures the number of endothelial cells in the cornea. It can help diagnose endothelial dystrophy and other conditions that affect the endothelium.

Corneal biopsies: These are small samples of tissue taken from the cornea. They can help diagnose corneal dystrophies, infections, and other conditions.

Corneal transplantation: This is a surgical procedure in which a healthy cornea is transplanted into a patient with a damaged or diseased cornea.

Corneal transplantation is a successful treatment for many corneal diseases and conditions. It can improve vision and quality of life for patients with corneal dystrophies, infections, and other conditions. However, corneal transplantation is not without risks. Some of the risks associated with corneal transplantation include:

Infection: Corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure, and as such, it is susceptible to infection. Infection can lead to vision loss and other complications.

Rejection: The body may reject the transplanted cornea, which can lead to vision loss and other complications.

Glaucoma: Corneal transplantation can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that affects the optic nerve.

Dry eye syndrome: Corneal transplantation can lead to dry eye syndrome, which can cause discomfort and vision problems.

In conclusion, the cornea is a vital component of the eye that plays a crucial role in vision and overall eye health. The cornea can be affected by a variety of diseases and conditions, including corneal dystrophies, infectious and ocular surface diseases, ocular surface disorders and surgery, immune-mediated and neoplastic disorders, congenital anomalies and degenerations, and toxic and traumatic injuries. To diagnose and treat these diseases and conditions, ophthalmologists use a variety of examination techniques, including visual acuity testing, slit lamp examination, corneal topography, corneal staining, corneal endothelial cell count, and corneal biopsies. Corneal transplantation is a successful treatment for many corneal diseases and conditions, but it is not without risks. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of corneal transplantation with their ophthalmologist before undergoing the procedure.

\n Weight: 1064g\n
Dimension: 179 x 250 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781681040349\n \n