Scarring on the eyeball, medically referred to as corneal or retinal scarring, can significantly affect vision. The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye, while the retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back. Scars on these parts can result from trauma, infection, or other eye diseases. If left untreated, scarring can lead to permanent vision impairment. Dr. Suraj Munjal specializes in diagnosing and treating scarring in the eye, offering advanced treatment options to restore and preserve vision.
Causes of Eye Scarring
Eye scarring can be caused by several factors. Some of the common causes include:
- Injuries: Physical trauma to the eye from accidents, foreign objects, or surgeries can lead to scarring.
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections like herpes simplex, keratitis, or other severe eye infections can cause damage and lead to scarring.
- Corneal Ulcers: Untreated or severe ulcers on the cornea may leave scars after healing.
- Eye Diseases: Conditions like glaucoma or uveitis can result in scarring over time.
- Surgical Complications: Surgeries such as cataract removal, though rare, may result in corneal scarring in some cases.
Types of Eye Scarring
There are two main types of eye scarring:
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Corneal Scarring:
- Occurs on the cornea, affecting the transparency of the eye.
- Symptoms often include blurry vision or sensitivity to light.
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Retinal Scarring:
- Occurs on the retina, usually due to trauma or degenerative diseases.
- Can lead to peripheral vision loss or blind spots.
Symptoms of Eye Scarring
If scarring occurs on the eyeball, it can lead to noticeable symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Decreased sharpness in vision (reduced clarity)
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Visible white or grey spots on the cornea (in the case of corneal scars)
- Difficulty with night vision
- Eye discomfort or pain (in some cases)
Early detection is key, so it’s important to consult an ophthalmologist like Dr. Suraj Munjal if any of these symptoms occur.
Diagnosis of Eye Scarring
Diagnosis of corneal or retinal scarring typically involves:
- Eye Examination: A thorough eye exam using specialized tools like the slit lamp to look at the front part of the eye.
- Corneal Topography: Measures the curvature of the cornea and identifies any scarring or irregularities.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Creates high-resolution images of the retina, detecting even the smallest scars or damage.
- Fluorescein Stain Test: A dye test to check for corneal ulcers and scarring.
Dr. Suraj Munjal uses advanced diagnostic techniques to ensure accurate detection and customized treatment plans.
Treatment Options for Eye Scarring
Treatment for eye scarring varies depending on the location and severity of the scar. Dr. Suraj Munjal offers the following treatment options:
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Medications:
- For minor scarring, antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops can help manage symptoms and prevent further scarring.
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Laser Therapy:
- Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) may be used to treat corneal scars, smoothing out the surface and improving vision.
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Corneal Transplant:
- For severe corneal scarring, a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) may be necessary to restore vision.
Cost of Treatment and Stay in India
India offers high-quality and affordable eye care services. The cost of treatment for eye scarring depends on the severity of the scar and the type of treatment required. On average:
- Medications and minor treatments: $200 – USD 500
- Laser treatment: $500 – $1,500 USD
- Corneal transplant surgery: $1,500 – $4,000
- Vitrectomy for retinal scarring: $2,000 – $5,000 USD
