What is the treatment for corneal edema?

Treatment of corneal edema, or swelling of the cornea, is based on the underlying cause of the condition. Most commonly, the endothelial cells responsible for pumping fluid out of the cornea are damaged. In glaucoma, the intraocular pressure needs to be reduced. In inflammatory conditions, the inflammation needs to be treated. Hypertonic saline drops or ointment can temporarily help reduce swelling of the cornea. In patients where the edema builds up overnight, some doctors recommend using a hair dryer to blow air on the eyes to increase evaporation of tears, and thus reduce the swelling of the cornea.

Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, or DSAEK, is currently the standard surgical treatment for patients who have visually significant corneal edema not responsive to medical therapy.