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Pronunciations bullous keratopathy conjunctivitis keratitis keratoconus keratomalacia keratopathy

Bullous keratopathy is a blister-like 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 can impair vision.

The diagnosis is based on the typical appearance of a swollen, cloudy cornea with blisters on the surface.

Bullous keratopathy is treated by reducing the amount of fluid in the cornea. Salty eye drops (hypertonic saline) can be used to draw the excess fluid from the cornea. Soft contact lenses can be used to decrease discomfort by acting as a bandage to the cornea. If vision is reduced or discomfort is significant and prolonged, corneal transplantation (see Transplantation: Corneal Transplants and Why They Usually Work) is often done.

Last full review/revision October 2008 by Melvin I. Roat, MD