Friday, November 17, 2017

The Cornea - A Vital Part of Eye Health and Vision


A member on the Board of Regents of the University of California, Dr. William De La Peña is a respected ophthalmologist who guides an eye clinic and provides a full range of surgical care solutions for persistent vision problems. Serving the needs of 350,000 patients in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Dr. William De La Peña has in-depth knowledge of ophthalmological diseases and corneal issues.

The cornea plays a vital role in the health of the eye, from triggering the reflex that closes the eyelid to focusing the eyes properly on near and far objects. It is composed of a group of proteins and cells with nerve endings that form the eye’s transparent anterior portion. The cornea covers the iris, pupil, and anterior eye chamber, with the transparency offering refractive properties that focus the light in the right direction. When the consistency of this is altered even slightly, vision changes in ways that include blurring.

Common corneal conditions including temporary allergic reactions that result in burning, redness, itching, and mucus discharge. These typically go away with the application of a cold compress, eye drops, or removal of the irritant. Another issue is dry eye, which occurs when the quality and quantity of tears is no longer sufficient to irrigate the eyes. For more serious issues impacting eyesight, a knowledgeable ophthalmologist should be consulted.