Corneal blindness is a serious public health concern in India, impacting approximately 12 lakh people and making it one of the leading causes of vision loss. This condition is primarily caused by damage or disease to the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye that helps focus light. Damage to the cornea can interfere with vision, leading to partial or complete blindness.
To understand more about corneal blindness, its causes, and available treatments, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Senior cornea and refractive surgeon Dr Preethi Naveen, Medical Director, Dr Agarwals Eye Bank, Chennai.
What is Corneal Blindness?
Corneal blindness occurs when the cornea becomes opaque or scarred, blocking light from entering the eye. This can result from infections, eye injuries, malnutrition, or degenerative conditions, ultimately impacting a person’s ability to see clearly. Dr Naveen explains, “Corneal blindness is a significant cause of vision loss in India, affecting approximately 12 lakh people. India's high prevalence of corneal blindness is primarily due to infections like trachoma and keratitis, eye injuries in industrial and agricultural settings, and widespread vitamin A deficiency.”
Risk Factors and Causes
Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of corneal blindness in India. Infections such as trachoma, keratitis, and corneal ulcers are widespread, especially in rural areas where sanitation and healthcare access are limited. Dr Naveen highlights, “Poor hygiene, delayed medical interventions, and limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, further aggravate the problem. Children and working-age adults in rural areas are particularly susceptible due to malnutrition, frequent eye injuries, and limited healthcare access.”
Eye injuries are common in industrial and agricultural settings, where workers are often exposed to chemicals, dust, and debris that can injure the cornea. Additionally, vitamin A deficiency—a prevalent issue in India due to dietary limitations—weakens the cornea and increases the risk of blindness. Malnutrition and lack of eye protection contribute significantly to the growing number of corneal blindness cases.
Elderly individuals are also at risk due to age-related degenerative eye conditions. "Elderly individuals are also at risk due to degenerative eye conditions,” Dr Naveen adds. "Overall, an estimated 1–2% of India’s total population is at risk of developing corneal blindness."
Also read: White Spots On Eyes: Expert Explains Corneal Ulcer And Its Treatment
Symptoms of Corneal Blindness
Symptoms of corneal blindness often depend on the underlying cause but commonly include:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness and swelling in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Watering of the eye
- Difficulty seeing in low light
If untreated, these symptoms can worsen and result in irreversible blindness.
Diagnosis of Corneal Blindness
Diagnosing corneal blindness requires a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist. “Current diagnostic methods for corneal blindness in India include a comprehensive eye examination, visual acuity testing, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy, which allow ophthalmologists to assess corneal clarity and identify conditions like keratitis, ulcers, or scarring,” says Dr Naveen. For more detailed assessments, advanced imaging techniques such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and corneal topography are utilized to evaluate corneal thickness and surface irregularities. These tools enable accurate diagnosis, which is essential for effective treatment.
Treatment Options for Corneal Blindness
Fortunately, corneal blindness can often be treated successfully, especially when diagnosed early. Corneal transplantation, or keratoplasty, is a common surgical procedure used to replace the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea. Therapeutic interventions, including antibiotic or antifungal medications, may also be prescribed to treat infections. Dr Naveen notes, “Corneal transplantation or therapeutic interventions are highly successful in individuals without significant underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or severe immune disorders, which may complicate recovery.”
Access to eye banks and organ donations plays a crucial role in corneal transplantation. In India, initiatives promoting eye donations have been instrumental in helping people with corneal blindness regain their vision, yet the demand for donor corneas remains high.
Also read: Here's Everything You Need To Know About Cornea Donation
Preventive Measures
Preventing corneal blindness requires a combination of lifestyle changes and access to healthcare. Using protective eyewear in high-risk environments, ensuring proper hygiene, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin A, can help reduce the risk of corneal diseases. Public health programs focused on eye health awareness and improved access to medical care in rural areas can also play a significant role in preventing vision loss.
Corneal blindness poses significant challenges, but with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many affected individuals can regain their vision and improve their quality of life.