The cornea is the clear covering on the front of the eye which is responsible for focusing light. Diseases such as keratoconus, Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy, or corneal scarring can result in a clouding of the cornea. This loss of clarity causes the vision to be blurry. Cataract and Laser Institute offers corneal consultations as well as full and partial thickness corneal transplants to improve your vision.

Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK) is a partial thickness corneal transplant that only replaces the inner most layer of the cornea. EK is the preferred way to restore vision when the inner cell layer of the cornea stops working properly from Fuchs’ dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, or other endothelial disorders. EK selectively replaces only the diseased layer of the cornea, leaving healthy areas intact. There are two types, including:

Your surgeon removes the diseased inner cell layer of the cornea and then implants healthy donor tissue through a small incision. Your surgeon then uses a small air bubble to unfold and position the donor tissue against your cornea. The small incision usually is self healing or closed with a suture or two. 

Pterygium are vascular growths that grow onto the surface of the cornea. They develop as a consequence of long term sun exposure and usually form on the side closest to your nose and grow towards the pupil area. Though usually not a serious condition, pterygium can cause some annoying symptoms like: