Bullous keratopathy is a swelling of the cornea.

Bullous keratopathy is most common in older people. Occasionally, bullous keratopathy occurs after eye surgery, such as cataract removal. The swelling leads to the formation of fluid-filled blisters on the surface of the cornea. The blisters can rupture, causing pain, often with the sensation of a foreign object trapped in the eye, and impairing vision. The diagnosis is based on the typical appearance of a swollen, cloudy cornea with blisters on the surface. Pachymetry (an ultrasound measurement of the cornea's thickness) is useful to confirm the diagnosis.

Bullous keratopathy is treated by reducing the amount of fluid in the cornea. Salty eye drops can be used to draw the fluid out. Occasionally, soft contact lenses can be used to decrease discomfort. If vision is insufficient for daily activities or discomfort is significant, corneal transplantation (see Corneal Transplants and Why They Usually Work) is needed.

Last full review/revision February 2003