Will my vision come back after hydrops?

Usually much of it returns as swelling clears over weeks to months, though some central scar can remain. Scleral lenses often restore functional vision afterward.

Did rubbing my eyes cause the hydrops?

Rubbing is a known trigger in eyes with advanced keratoconus. Treating the itch and keeping knuckles away from the eye matters even more after a hydrops event.

Can I keep wearing my scleral lens?

Not during the acute phase. Once the cornea settles we re-map and usually re-design the lens, because the shape has changed.

How is corneal hydrops treated?

Usually with drops and time. When the cornea suddenly swells, eye drops can give relief while a tiny crack in it heals; we use salt-based (hypertonic) drops and ointment to draw fluid out, drops to calm the inflammation and aching, and dark glasses for the light sensitivity. The swelling can last weeks or months as the crack heals and is gradually replaced by scar tissue. Severe or slow-healing cases are co-managed with a corneal surgeon.

How common is corneal hydrops?

Uncommon. It happens in a small number of people with keratoconus: the strain of the cone-shaped cornea opens a tiny crack, fluid swells the cornea, and vision drops suddenly and significantly. The swelling can last weeks or months.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Corneal Hydrops: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

A sudden white haze in an eye with keratoconus is urgent — call us the same day.

In advanced keratoconus the thinned cornea can develop a tiny break in its inner layer. Fluid rushes in, the cornea swells, and vision drops behind a milky haze, often with aching and light sensitivity. That event is called acute corneal hydrops.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

Slit lamp view of a swollen, hazy cornea

What it is: Sudden corneal swelling
Who gets it: Advanced keratoconus, eye rubbers
Urgency: Same-day evaluation
Course: Settles over weeks to months

What happened

A break in the inner layer.

The cornea stays clear because its inner cell layer pumps fluid out. When keratoconus stretches that layer past its limit, a small tear lets fluid flood the tissue, like water under wallpaper. The cornea whitens, thickens and blurs within hours.

Sudden drop in vision in one eye
A visible white or gray patch on the cornea
Aching, tearing and light sensitivity
Often preceded by vigorous eye rubbing

Hydrops is dramatic but usually not permanent: the break typically seals and the swelling clears, though some scar can remain.

Care

What we do, and when.

01
Same-day exam
We confirm hydrops at the slit lamp and rule out infection — call 310-828-2010 and come in.
02
Comfort and healing
Salt-based drops and ointments draw fluid out; drops calm inflammation; dark glasses help the light sensitivity while the cornea settles.
03
Surgeon co-management
Severe or slow-healing cases are co-managed with a corneal surgeon. Most settle without surgery.
04
Re-fit the lens
Once quiet, the corneal shape has usually changed, so our optometrists in Los Angeles re-map the eye on the Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler and redesign your scleral lens around the new shape.

If this is happening now

Sudden haze in a keratoconus eye is a same-day call.

Call 310-828-2010 — we hold same-day urgent slots
Do not rub the eye or patch it yourself
Bring your current lenses to the visit
Severe pain outside office hours: go to an emergency room; sudden loss of vision at any hour: call 911

Call 310-828-2010

Common questions

Corneal hydrops, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Usually much of it returns as swelling clears over weeks to months, though some central scar can remain. Scleral lenses often restore functional vision afterward.
Rubbing is a known trigger in eyes with advanced keratoconus. Treating the itch and keeping knuckles away from the eye matters even more after a hydrops event.
Not during the acute phase. Once the cornea settles we re-map and usually re-design the lens, because the shape has changed.
Usually with drops and time. When the cornea suddenly swells, eye drops can give relief while a tiny crack in it heals; we use salt-based (hypertonic) drops and ointment to draw fluid out, drops to calm the inflammation and aching, and dark glasses for the light sensitivity. The swelling can last weeks or months as the crack heals and is gradually replaced by scar tissue. Severe or slow-healing cases are co-managed with a corneal surgeon.
Uncommon. It happens in a small number of people with keratoconus: the strain of the cone-shaped cornea opens a tiny crack, fluid swells the cornea, and vision drops suddenly and significantly. The swelling can last weeks or months.

Corneal hydrops near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

Also consider

Next step

Sudden change in a keratoconus eye?

Call the office first — hydrops and other acute changes are seen the same day.

Call 310-828-2010 Or book online