Corneal Scar (Eye Scar): Causes, Effect on Vision and Treatment
Quick answer: A corneal scar is a cloudy or white area on the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, left after an infection such as a corneal ulcer, an injury, surgery or conditions like keratoconus. A small scar at the edge may not affect vision, while a scar in the centre can blur vision or cause glare. Treatment depends on its depth and position: glasses or rigid or scleral contact lenses, laser (PTK) for superficial scars, or corneal transplant for deep, dense scars.
Symptoms not settling? Book an eye examination at Vision Concern (Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal or Makalbari) so the cause can be checked properly.
Related service: Comprehensive eye examination (NPR 400) at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari.
Common causes
- Corneal ulcers and infections, including those linked to contact lens misuse.
- Scratches, chemical burns and other eye injuries.
- Previous eye surgery.
- Keratoconus, where the cornea can scar as it thins.
- Herpes simplex eye infection.
How scars affect vision
The effect depends on location, density and whether the corneal surface is irregular. Central scars blur vision; irregular scars cause distortion and glare that glasses cannot fully correct, which is why rigid or scleral lenses often help more.
Treatment options
- Glasses or contact lenses: rigid gas-permeable or scleral lenses create a smooth optical surface over an irregular cornea.
- Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK): laser removes superficial scars.
- Corneal transplant (partial or full thickness) for deep, dense scars.
Prevention
Treat a painful red eye promptly, especially in contact lens wearers; never sleep or swim in lenses unless prescribed; and wear eye protection for risky work and sport.
How Vision Concern can help
Vision Concern is an eye-examination clinic and optical shop in Kathmandu with branches in Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari. Its optometrists can examine your eyes, explain findings, update your glasses or contact lenses, and refer you to an eye specialist when medical or surgical care is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a corneal scar heal on its own?
Some faint scars fade over months, but dense scars usually remain.
Do eye drops remove corneal scars?
No. Drops treat infection and inflammation; existing scars need optical or surgical treatment.
Can contact lenses help with a corneal scar?
Yes. Rigid or scleral lenses often improve vision when the scar makes the cornea irregular.
This guide is general education and does not replace an eye examination or advice from your treating doctor.
Yes. Many visitors, particularly from Bangladesh and West Bengal (Kolkata), come to Nepal for cataract, retina, or other eye surgery at a hospital and also want new glasses, a general eye exam, or contact lenses at the same time, before or after their procedure. Vision Concern is an optical and eye-examination clinic, not a surgical hospital, so we work alongside hospitals such as Tilganga: we are happy to see you for glasses, contact lenses, or a routine check-up either side of your surgical treatment elsewhere.
No conversion is needed. Eyeglass prescriptions from Germany, France, the UK, the USA, China, Russia, and almost every other country use the same international format, SPH (sphere), CYL (cylinder), and AXIS, measured in diopters. Our opticians read this directly, so you can bring your prescription paper, a photo of it on your phone, or simply your current glasses, and we will use the same values. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, we recommend a quick, free re-check before we make your new pair.
Yes. Above roughly 3,000 metres, UV exposure increases sharply because of the thinner atmosphere and reflection off snow, and ordinary sunglasses (category 2-3) do not block enough UV to prevent snow blindness (photokeratitis). We recommend glacier glasses or category-4 sunglasses with side shields, and can fit these with your own prescription if needed. Vision Concern offers ZEISS polarized, UV400-certified sunglasses with prescription lenses, which we can prepare before you set off on your trek.