Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesEffects on VisionDiagnosisTreatmentSupporting Eye Health
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Effects on Vision
Diagnosis
Treatment
Supporting Eye Health
Corneal pannus, also known as corneal neovascularization, is the growth of blood vessels in thecornea, the transparent dome over the eye that is usually free of blood vessels. Causes include ill-fitting contact lenses, infections like keratitis, and chemical injury.
In some cases, this may be just a mild issue. In others, it may be severe enough to warrant treatment that may even require transplantation.
In this article, you’ll learn how to spot corneal pannus, the link between contact lenses and other causes, how this affects vision, what the treatments are, and more.
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Symptoms: How Does Corneal Pannus Look?
If you have corneal pannus, you may notice that a fine network of blood vessels begins to extend onto the cornea. This is a clear area that is usually free of blood vessels. So, with this, you may see branches of blood vessels in unexpected places.
The blood vessels may extend over the colored iris and advance toward the dark pupil in the center of the eye. This is a condition that, if not successfully treated, can ultimately threaten your sight.
Corneal Pannus Also Affects DogsBesides humans, dogs, particularly greyhounds and dachshunds, can develop corneal pannus, especially those that live at high altitudes with increased ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.
Corneal Pannus Also Affects Dogs
Besides humans, dogs, particularly greyhounds and dachshunds, can develop corneal pannus, especially those that live at high altitudes with increased ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.
Corneal Pannus and Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses that do not fit the eye properly and irritate the surface is a common cause of corneal pannus.Usually, the cornea gets any needed oxygen directly from the air. But a contact lens may block this.
If the lens fit is too tight, this may lead to a lack of oxygen, which can spur the development of new blood vessels in an attempt to bring more oxygen to the area. If you wear your contact lenses while sleeping, this may increase the chances of new blood vessel formation occurring.
In such cases, it is crucial to either have the contacts refitted so they are no longer a source of irritation or to discontinue using the lenses altogether.
Other Causes
Inflammation is usually at the root of new blood vessel formation, producing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF leads to new blood vessel formation, which can ultimately affect vision.
Besides the use of ill-fitting contact lenses, some other possible causes of corneal pannus include the following:
Corneal Pannus Vision Effects
If the blood vessels reach the visual axis (where light passes through the clear cornea and lens to the light-detecting retina), they can obstruct the ability of light to enter the eye. This leads to hazy or blurry vision. Such issues typically occur in advanced stages and can permanently threaten sight.
How Providers Diagnose Corneal Pannus
To determine if you have a case of corneal pannus, an eye doctor, such as an ophthalmologist, will examine you after taking a full history.
They will dilate (widen) your pupil and bring you to theslit lamp, a device that allows them to look inside the eye. There, they will examine different structures in your eye and will be able to determine if blood vessels are encroaching on your cornea.
Treatment for Corneal Pannus
If you have corneal pannus, determining what to do will depend on how far the condition has progressed. While corneal pannus can be managed and kept from progressing, it is not something that can currently be reversed.Transplantation may be needed.
Treatment can vary from simple drops early on to laser surgery or corneal transplantation in more complicated cases. Here’s what to know.
Treatment With Mild Symptoms
An early case of corneal pannus can be managed with topical drops, such as steroids.Your ophthalmologist may prescribe steroids such as cortisone, dexamethasone, or prednisolone to help tamp down inflammation that can otherwise lead to new blood vessel formation.
Another possible approach is to administer anti-VEGF agents. Vascular endothelial growth factors encourage the development of new blood vessels. Anti-VEGF agents can help keep VEGF from working here.
Moderate to Severe Symptoms
If medications are not effective here, a surgical approach may be needed. This may involve one of the following:
Ways to Support Eye Health With Corneal Pannus
To prevent the further formation of new blood vessels and support eye health, consider the following measures:
Summary
In early cases, this can be managed with the use of steroids, while more severe cases can require the use of laser surgery or possibly a corneal transplant.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Columbia Ophthalmology.Corneal neovascularization.American College of Ophthalmology.Corneal pannus.American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.Pannus.Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan.Corneal neovascularization.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Corneal neovascularization.Sharif Z, Sharif W.Corneal neovascularization: updates on pathophysiology, investigations & management.Rom J Ophthalmol. 2019;63(1):15-22.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Could exercise help prevent eye damage?
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Columbia Ophthalmology.Corneal neovascularization.American College of Ophthalmology.Corneal pannus.American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.Pannus.Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan.Corneal neovascularization.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Corneal neovascularization.Sharif Z, Sharif W.Corneal neovascularization: updates on pathophysiology, investigations & management.Rom J Ophthalmol. 2019;63(1):15-22.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Could exercise help prevent eye damage?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Columbia Ophthalmology.Corneal neovascularization.American College of Ophthalmology.Corneal pannus.American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.Pannus.Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan.Corneal neovascularization.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Corneal neovascularization.Sharif Z, Sharif W.Corneal neovascularization: updates on pathophysiology, investigations & management.Rom J Ophthalmol. 2019;63(1):15-22.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Could exercise help prevent eye damage?
Columbia Ophthalmology.Corneal neovascularization.
American College of Ophthalmology.Corneal pannus.
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.Pannus.
Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan.Corneal neovascularization.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Corneal neovascularization.
Sharif Z, Sharif W.Corneal neovascularization: updates on pathophysiology, investigations & management.Rom J Ophthalmol. 2019;63(1):15-22.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Could exercise help prevent eye damage?
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