salzmans degeneration

A recent visit for my annual eye exam indicated I had progressive scarring of my cornea that was affecting the vision of my right eye..  I believe the Dr. recommended a cornea abrasion to remove the scarring.  She indicated it was outpatient surgery and was painful.  If I don't do the surgery I run the risk of the scarring spreading and becoming permanent.  She recommended the surgery and I was advised that new glasses would not help at this time since the vision in the scarred eye prevents this.  I never realized it was this bad until I visited the Dr.  What causes this and how painful is the surgery?  On the bill I received the diagnsis says Salzmanns Degen.  Is the printed diagnois and what she told me consistent?

[Roy S Rubinfeld, MD]

This sounds completely consistent. Salzmannn's degeneration is accumulation of scar tissue (often elevated and "bumpy") on the clear window of the front of the eye called the cornea. Surgery is often successful and it's best to do it before it gets very advanced. The cause it not totally understood but usually involves chronic trauma or irritation. It might be best if the surgery is performed by a cornea specialist.  -RSR

[Giveypup]

I agree with Dr. Rubinfeld, and, also, know that the procedure is not painful, but the healing is.  

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

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