What is the Cornea?

The cornea is the clear outer covering of the eye. The cornea covers the colored portion of the eye and protects it, much like a crystal covers the face of a watch. 
 
Light rays enter the eye through the cornea and are later interpreted by the brain. Unfortunately, the cornea is very susceptible to injury and infection. Many different disorders can affect the cornea.

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Our Surgeon As a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained cornea subspecialist, Dr. Michael Hodkin treats conditions affecting the cornea such as infective disease, trauma, abnormalities, ulcers, corneal transplants, and corneal reshaping for vision correction. He is one of few cornea subspecialists in the state of Indiana. His particular training and expertise in the cornea field offers patients a highly skilled specialist for all corneal conditions. [ back to top ]

Michael J. Hodkin, M.D.

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Conditions Affecting the Cornea

Corneal Abrasion or Erosion
The cornea can be scratched or injured by such things as a contact lens, a fingernail, vigorous rubbing of the eye and other external sources, causing corneal problems. Disease of the cornea can also be a contributing factor. The symptoms of corneal abrasion include intense pain, excessive watering of the eye, redness, and blurred vision. The eye can usually be treated by antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Often, the eye will be patched to help with healing and lessen discomfort. Usually the corneal erosion or abrasion will heal within a week.

Corneal Transplant
However, when the cornea becomes scarred or clouded by injury or disease, vision can be impaired to the point that a corneal transplant is needed. A corneal transplant is performed with corneal tissue from a human donor. During this procedure, damaged or diseased tissue is removed, and the donor tissue is grafted into place with extremely fine sutures or stitches. The final improvement in vision is gradual and occurs two to twelve months postoperatively.

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