We specialize in diagnosing and treating various conditions related to the cornea and external structures of the eye. Our team of highly trained and experienced ophthalmologists is committed to providing you with the best possible care and helping you maintain optimal eye health.
What is the Cornea?
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. It plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina and protecting the eye from dust, debris, and other foreign objects. The cornea is also responsible for maintaining the shape of the eye and refracting light as it enters the eye.
Cornea Conditions We Treat
Our ophthalmologists are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of cornea conditions, including:
- Corneal Abrasions: These are small cuts or scratches on the cornea, which can cause pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
- Corneal Ulcers: These are open sores on the cornea, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, as well as trauma.
- Keratoconus: This is a progressive condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge outward, resulting in distorted vision.
- Fuchs’ Dystrophy: This is a genetic disorder that affects the cornea, causing it to become swollen and cloudy, which can lead to vision loss.
- Corneal Transplantation: This is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.
External Diseases We Treat
In addition to cornea conditions, our ophthalmologists also diagnose and treat external diseases of the eye, including:
- Conjunctivitis: This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or irritants.
- Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelids, which can cause redness, itching, and irritation. It is often caused by bacteria that live on the skin around the eyes.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: This is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears, leading to dryness, itching, and burning.
- Stye: This is a red, painful bump that forms on the eyelid, usually caused by a bacterial infection.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: This is a condition in which the meibomian glands in the eyelids do not produce enough oil, leading to dry eyes and other symptoms.
Diagnostic Tools and Treatment Options
At our practice, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment options to provide our patients with the best possible care. These include:
- Corneal Topography: This is a non-invasive imaging technique that maps the shape and curvature of the cornea, helping our ophthalmologists diagnose conditions such as keratoconus.
- Intraocular Pressure Measurement: This is a test that measures the pressure inside the eye, which can help diagnose conditions such as glaucoma.
- Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT): This is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows our ophthalmologists to see detailed images of the anterior segment of the eye, including the cornea and iris.
- Medications: We offer a variety of medications, including antibiotics, antivirals, and anti-inflammatory drugs, to treat cornea and external diseases.
- Surgery: For certain conditions, such as corneal ulcers and Fuchs’ dystrophy, surgery may be necessary to restore vision and alleviate symptoms. Our ophthalmologist is skilled in performing corneal transplantation surgery, which involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with a healthy donor cornea.
Prevention and Management
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining good eye health. Some tips to prevent cornea and external diseases include:
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, especially when you have a cold or flu.
- Protect your eyes: Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or working with hazardous materials.
- Avoid sharing eye makeup: Sharing eye makeup can increase the risk of eye infections.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent eye diseases.
- Get regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help detect eye diseases early, when they are most treatable.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a cornea or external disease, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Our ophthalmologists are available to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions and provide personalized care to help you maintain optimal eye health.
