👉 Chronic interstitial keratopathy (CIK) is a long-term condition affecting the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, characterized by persistent inflammation and damage to the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of cells. This chronic inflammation leads to thinning and scarring of the corneal tissue, impairing its ability to refract light properly and causing symptoms such as blurred vision, redness, and sensitivity to light. Over time, CIK can significantly compromise visual acuity if left untreated, often necessitating corrective surgery like LASIK or other advanced treatments to restore vision.
