Science On Tap – When the Window Breaks: How Vision is Rebuilt

Have you ever looked through a foggy window and wondered what if that were your eyesight? What happens when the window of your eye becomes cloudy?

The cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—plays a critical role in focusing light and allowing us to see the world sharply. But infections, injuries, genetic conditions, and aging can damage this delicate tissue, leading to blurred vision, pain, and sometimes even blindness. The remarkable news is that many of these conditions are treatable—and in some cases, surgeons can replace the damaged “window” of the eye to restore sight.

Whether you have a corneal disease, know someone with vision problems, or are simply curious about how modern medicine can bring sight back, join us to learn about: 

• How the cornea works
• What cause it to become cloudy or scarred
• How treatments work
• How donated tissue can restore sight

Gain a deeper understanding of how damage to this tiny, transparent tissue is among the top causes of global blindness and how advances in eye care are helping people see the world clearly again.

Afshan Nanji, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University. She cares for patients with diseases of the cornea including infections, keratoconus, dystrophies, ocular surface cancers, and other conditions. In addition to her clinical work, she teaches future eye surgeons and conducts research to improve diagnosis and treatments for corneal disease.