Corneal Disease

Treatment for Corneal Diseases including Keratoconus for Patients in the Denver Area

The cornea is the clear dome that protects the front of the eye from damage. The cornea also acts as a lens to focus light through the eye to the retina. Though the cornea responds well to minor injuries, more severe injuries and conditions can lead to discomfort, vision impairment, or vision loss if left untreated. The physicians at Vision Care Specialists focus on providing comprehensive treatment for corneal diseases including keratoglobus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, and keratoconus. For some of these diseases our corneal specialist, Dr. Gregory Kouyoumdjian may need to perform corneal transplants. Call one of our offices in Denver, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, and Aurora. Contact Vision Care Specialists for more information.

Corneal Disease and Degeneration

Corneal degeneration occurs as the tissue of the cornea breaks down. Although the exact cause of corneal degeneration is unknown, some disorders may be hereditary while others are the result of an injury to the sensitive tissue of the cornea.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a hereditary corneal disorder that exhibits most often in children and young adults. A treatable disorder, keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and form a conical shape leading to distorted vision or vision loss. Treatment for keratoconus depends on the severity of the disorder. Mild keratoconus is often treated with eyeglasses. More advanced forms of keratoconus are treated with special contact lenses or a corneal transplant.

 Corneal Topography: Keratoconus

Keratoglobus

Although its cause is unknown, keratoglobus is a rare corneal disease in which the tissue of the cornea thins and morphs the cornea into a globular shape. It is often diagnosed in young adults and patients in their twenties and thirties. Though it does not lead to blindness, it can impair vision. Surgical treatment is often prescribed to reshape the cornea.

Fuchs’ Dystrophy

Fuchs’ dystrophy is a corneal disorder in which the endothelial cells of the eye break down causing fluid to build up in the cornea. Commonly affecting women and people in their 50s, Fuchs’ dystrophy exhibits symptoms in the form of inflammation, pain, and vision problems that can lead to blindness. Treatment for Fuchs’ dystrophy can involve eye drops, contact lenses, or a corneal transplant.

Corneal Transplant Procedure

Corneal transplants replace part of the diseased cornea of the patient with a portion of a healthy cornea from a donor. For patients with thin, scarred, cloudy, or inflamed corneas or those with vision loss, a corneal transplant can improve the appearance of the cornea while reducing pain and restoring vision. As with any transplant procedure, there is a risk that the body will reject the donor cornea. Dr. Kouyoumdjian will discuss the benefits, risks, and possible side effects of a corneal transplant during the consultation.

Once the eye of the patient is anesthetized, the ophthalmologist removes a circular portion of the cornea. Next the surgeon removes a portion of comparable size from the donor’s cornea and places in into the patient’s cornea using forceps. Once the cornea is adjusted for fit, it is stitched into place. Following the corneal transplant, the patient will be prescribed medication to control side effects and instructed to protect their eye from injury. Follow-up eye exams will track the progress and ascertain the efficacy of the transplant.

Contact Vision Care Specialists to Learn about Corneal Disease

If left untreated, many corneal diseases can lead to vision loss. We treat corneal diseases including keratoconus and Fuchs’ dystrophy. For information about corneal diseases or transplants, or to schedule an appointment, contact Vision Care Specialists in Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood.

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