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Cornea

Cornea

At Sierra Eye Group, our specialists are experts addressing a variety of corneal conditions that can impact vision. These conditions encompass a wide range of issues, from degenerative disorders to traumatic injuries. Our comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives tailored care to address their specific condition effectively.

Cornea and Vision

The cornea plays an important role in vision by serving as the eye’s outermost layer, responsible for refracting light and enabling clear vision. Understanding its significance is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health and vision clarity.

Common corneal conditions include keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, infections, abrasions, ulcers, erosions, scarring, and degenerations. Management strategies vary:

Non-surgical options include glasses and specialty contact lenses, while advanced cases may require corneal crosslinking or transplant surgery.

Treatment ranges from monitoring asymptomatic cases to symptomatic relief with medications. Advanced dystrophies may necessitate corneal transplantation.

Urgent treatment with antimicrobial agents is crucial, including topical or systemic medications. Severe cases may need surgical intervention.

Managed with antibiotics and lubricating drops, monitoring healing progress, rarely requiring surgery.

Urgent treatment with antibiotics or antifungals, monitoring, and surgical intervention for severe cases.

Treated with lubricating agents, occasionally requiring surgical procedures for recurrent cases.

Managed with medications for inflammation and monitoring, with surgical options for visually significant scarring.

Treatment involves medications for symptom relief, monitoring for progression, and surgical intervention if necessary.

Schedule an Exam

Consultation with an eye care professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations. Early intervention and appropriate management can preserve vision and optimize eye health.

Closeup of an Eye With Keratoconus

Symptoms of Corneal Conditions:

Recognizing the symptoms associated with corneal conditions is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying condition but commonly include:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Redness and irritation
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Excessive tearing or discharge

Early detection of these symptoms can facilitate timely intervention, preventing further progression and preserving visual function.

Treatment Options

We offer a variety of treatment options tailored to the specific needs of each patient. These options encompass both non-invasive and surgical interventions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, halt disease progression, and restore visual function.

Non-invasive treatments play a crucial role in managing mild to moderate corneal conditions. These may include:

  • Medications: Topical or oral medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms such as inflammation, pain, or infection.
  • Eye Drops: Specialized eye drops can help lubricate the cornea, reduce dryness, and improve comfort.

These non-invasive approaches are often effective in providing symptomatic relief and slowing disease progression.

For more advanced or progressive corneal conditions, surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes. Our experienced surgeons offer a variety of surgical procedures, including:

  • Corneal Transplant Surgery: In cases of severe corneal damage or disease, a transplant may be performed to replace the damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue.
  • Laser Eye Surgery: Advanced laser techniques may be utilized to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors such as astigmatism or nearsightedness.

These surgical options are tailored to each patient’s unique condition and treatment goals, with a focus on maximizing visual outcomes and preserving corneal integrity.

Corneal Crosslinking

Corneal crosslinking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of conditions such as keratoconus. During the procedure, a photosensitizing agent is applied to the cornea, followed by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This process promotes the formation of additional bonds within the corneal tissue, increasing its strength and stability.

Benefits of Corneal Crosslinking:

Corneal crosslinking offers several benefits, including:

  • Strengthening of the cornea to prevent further deterioration
  • Improvement in visual acuity and reduction in astigmatism
  • Potential reduction in the need for additional interventions such as corneal transplantation

By preserving corneal integrity and halting disease progression, corneal crosslinking can significantly improve the long-term prognosis for patients with keratoconus and related conditions.

Consultation and Appointment

Take the first step toward clearer vision and improved eye health by contacting Sierra Eye Group today. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a corneal condition or interested in exploring your options for vision correction, our expert team is here to help. Schedule your consultation now and discover the difference our specialized cornea services can make in your life.

Location

Serving our community

Serving Tulare & Kings Counties For Over 50 Years

Sierra Eye Group

2830 W. Main St.
Visalia, CA 93291

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(559) 636-1000
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(559) 636-3937
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