Viral Conjunctivitis and Its Impact on Corneal Health

Q: Viral Conjunctivitis and Its Impact on Corneal Health

Hello Cathy： I have noticed that my left eye has been experiencing persistent blurred vision due to a scratched cornea. <br>The removal of the pseudomembrane involves scraping the thin white membrane on the inner side of the eyelid, not the cornea itself. <br>The corneal abrasion

Debridement of pseudomembrane after viral conjunctivitis?

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition.
I started experiencing a foreign body sensation, photophobia, and dryness in my left eye on February 2nd, which led me to seek medical attention.
By February 7th, my symptoms worsened; in addition to the strong foreign body sensation, I began to have excessive tearing and some blood streaks.
I visited several ophthalmology clinics, and the doctors diagnosed me with viral conjunctivitis.
On February 10th, I went to Chi Mei Hospital's ophthalmology department because both of my eyes were affected.
After using eye drops over the past few days, my eyes became so dry and fatigued that I could hardly open them.
On February 11th, I suddenly experienced blurred vision in my left eye and feared I was going blind.
I went to the emergency room, where a doctor examined me and removed a pseudomembrane from my left eye.
Two days later, I had to undergo another scraping, and the doctor mentioned that my cornea had been damaged.
It wasn't until around 20 days later that my condition began to stabilize.
During this time, I followed the prescribed regimen of eye drops and ointments, but I still feel a persistent blurriness in the vision of my left eye due to the corneal scraping.
I would like to know if the cornea can return to its original thickness and whether this will affect my ability to wear contact lenses in the future.
What aspects should I monitor moving forward?

Cathy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/23

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Cathy: I have noticed that my left eye has been experiencing persistent blurred vision due to a scratched cornea.
The removal of the pseudomembrane involves scraping the thin white membrane on the inner side of the eyelid, not the cornea itself.
The corneal abrasion is caused by conjunctivitis, which leads to damage of the corneal epithelium.
A corneal abrasion can result in blurred vision.
However, the corneal epithelium regenerates quickly, and if the conjunctivitis improves, the corneal epithelium will gradually heal.

I would like to know if the cornea cannot return to its original thickness and whether this will affect my ability to wear contact lenses in the future.
What aspects should I monitor afterward? The healing of a corneal abrasion will not affect the corneal thickness, nor will it impact your ability to wear contact lenses later on.
Once the conjunctivitis resolves and if there are no recurrences, there is generally no need for follow-up.

For eye care, you can visit the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only, and it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Best regards, Gao Pilin.

Reply Date: 2020/02/23

More Info

Viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by a viral infection. This condition can significantly impact corneal health, especially if not managed properly. Your symptoms, including the sensation of a foreign body, photophobia (light sensitivity), and excessive tearing, are typical of viral conjunctivitis. The presence of blood vessels in the eye and the development of pseudomembranes can indicate a more severe form of the infection, which may lead to complications such as corneal damage.

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It plays a crucial role in focusing vision. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to a viral infection, it can lead to corneal involvement, especially if there is significant tearing or discharge. The cornea can become scratched or develop ulcers, which can result in blurred vision or even vision loss if not treated promptly.

In your case, the fact that you experienced a sudden loss of vision and the need for debridement (scraping) of the cornea suggests that the infection may have caused corneal epithelial defects or even deeper damage. The healing process of the cornea can vary depending on the severity of the injury. While minor abrasions may heal completely, more significant damage can lead to scarring or changes in corneal thickness, which may affect your vision and your ability to wear contact lenses in the future.

Regarding your concerns about the cornea's ability to return to its original thickness, it is important to understand that the cornea has a remarkable capacity for healing. However, the extent of recovery depends on the depth and severity of the damage. If the corneal epithelium (the outer layer) is compromised, it can regenerate, but if the stroma (the middle layer) is affected, there may be permanent changes, including scarring that could impact vision.

To monitor your recovery and ensure optimal corneal health, follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are essential. They will likely perform regular examinations to assess the healing process, check for any signs of infection, and evaluate the integrity of the cornea. Depending on the findings, they may recommend additional treatments, such as lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness, or in some cases, therapeutic contact lenses to protect the cornea during the healing process.

In terms of wearing contact lenses in the future, it is crucial to wait until your cornea has fully healed and your eye health is stable. Your ophthalmologist will provide guidance on when it is safe to resume wearing lenses, as premature use can lead to further complications.

In summary, while viral conjunctivitis can lead to corneal issues, with appropriate treatment and monitoring, many patients can achieve a good recovery. It is vital to maintain open communication with your eye care provider and adhere to their recommendations for follow-up care. If you notice any changes in your vision or experience new symptoms, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

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