Cloudy cornea

Considerations:
The cornea is normally a nearly invisible transparent structure covering the iris of the eye. Its two purposes are to transmit and refract the light entering the eye. Certain metabolic diseases, trauma, infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies and environmental situations may cause clouding of the cornea. Clouding results in varying degrees of visual loss .

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of cloudy cornea. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for cloudy cornea, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Consult your health care provider.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • the outer surface of the eye appears cloudy.
  • there is trouble with the vision.

Note: It is appropriate to see an ophthalmologist for vision or eye problems. However, the primary health care provider should also be consulted to diagnose the cause of the cloudy cornea.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting cloudy cornea in detail may include:

  • time pattern
    • Did the cornea become cloudy rapidly or did it develop slowly?
    • When did you first notice this?

  • location
    • Does it affect both eyes?

  • other
    • Is there any history of injury to the eye?
    • What other symptoms are also present?
    • Is there any trouble with the vision?
    • If so, what type (blurring, reduced vision, or other) and how much?

Physical examination will include thorough examination of the eyes and vision.

Diagnostic tests may include:

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to cloudy cornea to your personal medical record.


This is an illustration of a cross-section and frontal view of the eye.