Cornea
Keratoconus
Keratoconus, which means “cone-shaped cornea” is a condition in which the cornea thins and develops a cone shaped bulge. When the shape of the cornea is distorted it can impair visual acuity. In the early stages, a patient's symptoms may be no different from those of other refractive defects, but as the disease progresses vision deteriorates. Some patients develop sensitivity to light (photophobia), eyestrain, and itching in the eye. Another symptom of keratoconus is the perception of multiple “ghost images.” The cause of keratoconus is unknown, but some researchers believe that genetics play a role.
During the early stages of keratoconus, vision can be corrected with the use of glasses. Later, rigid contacts may be required. These contacts will evenly refract the light entering the eye so vision is not distorted. When the diseased has progressed far enough that contacts are no longer effective, a corneal transplant is recommended. A corneal transplant involves removing the diseased cornea and replacing it with a healthy donor cornea.
Intacs Prescription Inserts
For patients who suffer from Keratoconus and cannot wear glasses or contacts, Intacs can provide clear maintenance-free vision. Intacs prescription inserts are clear, thin prescription inserts that allow light rays to focus properly on the retina by gently reshaping the curvature of the cornea. There is no cutting or permanent removal of tissue involved, and Intacs can be removed and replaced if your vision changes. Even patients with severe keratoconus who have lost their ability to wear contact lens (Contact Lens Intorlerant) may achieve excellent vision and comfort with contact lenses after receiving Intac surgery.
Corneal Transplant
Diseased or scarred corneas can be replaced with a corneal transplant. This is an option for people who have scarred corneas due to infection or injury, corneal clouding (Fuch's dystrophy) with visual loss, or corneal thinning (Keratoconus).
With about 40,000 performed each year, corneal transplants have become quite common in the United States. With the help of technological advances the chances of success have increased dramatically. Most important for your success after corneal transplants is the skill , technique and training of your cornea surgery. People who would have been permanently blinded in the past by inherited cornea disease or degeneration, corneal injury, or infection may now have their vision restore with corneal transplants.
As one of only a handful of surgeons who have completed a full one-year training fellowship in refractive surgery and a fellowship in corneal surgery, Paul Cutarelli, M.D. is highly qualified to perform corneal transplants.DSEK
DSEK, Descemet's stripping with endothelial keratoplasty, is a partial thickness cornea transplant that is newer. With DSEK a thin piece of donor cornea is inserted after removing only the inner layers of the cornea. While challenging, this procedure can be performed quickly and often requires no stitches.
Pterygium
A pterygium is a raised, wedge shaped tissue growth on the cornea. Pterygium can can cause redness, inflammation, dry and itchy eyes, and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye. In advanced cases, pterygium may grow over part of the central cornea, and can affect vision. Pterygium can cause astigmatism and corneal scarring.
Mild symptoms of irritation and inflammation can be treated with eye drops. If, however, symptoms are severe or vision is being affected, the pterygium can be removed surgically.
Read more about Pterygium and Pterygium Removal Surgery