Corneal Scarring: Causes, Treatment, and the Possibility of Restoring Vision

What Is Corneal Scarring?

Corneal scarring is the buildup of opaque fibrous tissue replacing the healthy, transparent corneal tissue — resulting from the body's attempt to repair damage to the cornea. What sets it apart from scars elsewhere in the body: the cornea cannot tolerate incomplete repair, because any opacity directly affects vision.

Causes of Corneal Scarring

Viral infections (herpes keratitis is the most common), bacterial or fungal ulcers, traumatic injuries (cuts and burns), very advanced keratoconus (acute hydrops), and some rare systemic diseases.

How Scars Affect Vision

Peripheral scars away from the visual axis — minimal or no impact. Scars in the central area — direct impact on visual acuity. Extensive thick scars — significant loss of clarity requiring surgical intervention.

Treatment Options

In early cases: antiviral or antibacterial medications to eliminate the cause. After stabilization: PTK (laser phototherapeutic keratectomy) to remove superficial scars. For deep, extensive scars: DALK if the endothelium is healthy, PKP if scars extend to the full corneal thickness.

Evaluating corneal scars requires careful specialist examination. Contact Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy's clinic.