Corneal scars?

[Phorisis]

Hello,

A year ago, I suffered from a corneal abrasion which was simply produced by my unfortunate fingernail. The two cuts were in the center of the cornea according to two ophtalmologists; they healed, but one year after the event, my doctor still can see minor scars on my cornea, although I was properly treated with drops and antibiotics.

After the scratch, I experienced slightly clouded vision with this eye, but it was very minor and it disappeared quickly. However, I also noticed some "halo effects" around lights at night (apparently, it is not glaucoma), glare and "stars-like" form around these lights (vehicle headlights for instance). I didn't understand anything, because my eyes were fine apart from the little scars on the right cornea! And moreover, I hadn't blurry vision; on the contrary, my vision is perfectly clear despite the presence of the scars...

Now, one year after, the traces on the cornea remain, and "halo effect" at night also remains. My ophtalmologist didn't explain me too much what it could be, but my eyes were often checked, and there was nothing to worry about. Oh, yes, there is: I have developed a blepharitis, but it seems it has no link with the night vision problem.

Please help me to understand something if you experienced similar issues...

Thanks!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

PRK is a form of lasik but only the surface of the eye is lasered off to clear shallow scars or certain problems on the surface of the cornea.
JCH MD

[Phorisis]

Thank you, Doctor. It is not very annoying, but I think I will seek a cornea specialist, as you recommend.

I didn't know there was other treatment apart from lasik... Interesting!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Whoops note you live in France. You might seek one out on your own or go to a university medical school department of ophthalmology.
JCH MD

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

A small scar in the exact center of the pupil you see through (visual axis) can cause an outsize problem with blur, glare, ghosting, night vision problesm whereas a much larger scar on the periphery of the cornea may have no effect at all.

I would suggest you see a ophthalmologist that speciallizes in corneal disease. You can have a cornea mapping (topography) to see if the scar disrupts the smooth surface.   Possible treatment can be scraping the scar if superficial off the eye and putting in a bandage contact lens or even lasik (PRK) if the scar bigger and deeper. An you're right the blepharitis is a separate problem.

You can find a cornea Eye MD near you at www.geteyesmart.org

JCH MD