What is conjunctival scarring?
The conjunctiva is a thin transparent membrane covering the white of the eye and the underside of the eyelids. Several conditions cause the conjunctiva to become scarred. These include injury, infection, allergy and autoimmune diseases (a group of conditions in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells or tissues). On a global scale, a major cause of conjunctival scarring and blindness is an infectious disease called trachoma, which is not common in the UK but affects many millions of people in North Africa and South Asia.
Scarring damages the conjunctiva and makes it less able to retain tears and protective mucus. Patients may have symptoms of dry eye, with grittiness, burning and, in severe cases, blurred vision.
How is conjunctival scarring managed?
Scarring damages the conjunctiva and makes it less able to retain tears and protective mucus. Patients may have symptoms of dry eye, with grittiness, burning and, in severe cases, blurred vision. Mild cases may be helped by artificial tear drops, however severe cases may require eyelid surgery or the transplantation of amniotic membrane (innermost layer of the placenta) on to the eye surface.
