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Corneal Specialists in Williamsville & Orchard Park, NY
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Our Eye Doctor
The Cornea & How It Supports Clear Vision
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. It helps focus light and protects the eye from dust, germs, and other irritants.
Changes caused by disease, injury, infection, or the shape of the cornea can affect both vision and comfort. Our eye doctor can evaluate these changes and recommend care based on the condition and its effect on your eyes.
Corneal Conditions We Treat
Buffalo Ophthalmology provides evaluation and treatment for a range of corneal and external eye conditions, including:
Keratoconus
A progressive condition that causes the cornea to become thinner and change shape over time, distorting vision.
Fuchs’ Dystrophy
A genetic condition that affects cells in the inner layer of the cornea. Causing swelling, cloudiness, and vision changes.
Corneal Scarring
Scarring can develop after an infection, injury, inflammation, or previous surgery. Depending on its location and severity, it may affect vision or cause discomfort.
Corneal Dystrophies
Corneal dystrophies are inherited conditions that can cause deposits or structural changes in different layers of the cornea.
Recurrent Corneal Erosion
Recurrent corneal erosion occurs when the surface layer of the cornea doesn't stay firmly attached. This can cause pain, tearing, and light sensitivity.
Corneal Infections (Keratitis)
Keratitis is inflammation or infection of the cornea. Causes can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, injury, and contact lens-related complications.
Signs You May Need a Cornea Specialist
Corneal conditions can cause symptoms that overlap with other eye problems. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine what is causing the change and whether treatment is needed.
Symptoms may include:
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Blurred or distorted vision
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Eye pain or discomfort
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Increased sensitivity to light
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Difficulty wearing contact lenses
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Sudden or unexplained changes in vision
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Excessive tearing
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Dry or gritty sensations
Buffalo Ophthalmology's Approach to Corneal Care
Corneal treatment depends on which part of the cornea is affected, the cause of the problem, and the severity of the condition. At Buffalo Ophthalmology, our eye doctor uses detailed examination and diagnostic testing to evaluate the surface and structure of the cornea.
Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
Non-Surgical Treatment
Some corneal conditions can be managed with medications, lubricating eye drops, protective lenses, or other non-surgical care.
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause. For example, infections may require prescription medication, while ocular surface conditions such as dry eye may be managed with a combination of at-home and in-office care.
Amniotic Membrane Therapy
Amniotic membrane may be used as a protective graft or bandage to support healing of the eye’s surface in certain cases. It can be considered for persistent epithelial defects, corneal injuries, inflammation, or other surface problems when appropriate.
Our eye doctor will determine whether this treatment is suitable based on the condition and health of the corneal surface.
Corneal Care
A corneal transplant (Keratoplasty) replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. Depending on which layers are affected, surgery may involve a full-thickness or partial-thickness transplant.
At Buffalo Ophthalmology, corneal care is provided by fellowship-trained ophthalmologists with focused experience in cornea and external disease. Our corneal specialists evaluate the condition of the cornea, explain whether transplant surgery may be appropriate, and recommend the type of procedure based on the tissue involved and the overall health of the eye.
For conditions involving the inner layer of the cornea, such as certain cases of Fuchs’ dystrophy, procedures such as DSEK may replace only the damaged inner tissue while leaving much of the patient’s cornea in place.
Corneal Care & Treatment Based on Your Diagnosis
Some corneal conditions require procedures beyond medication or transplantation. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:
- Combined corneal transplant and cataract surgery
- Corneal debridement
- Stromal puncture
- Keratectomy
Our eye doctor will explain the purpose, benefits, limitations, and expected recovery of any recommended procedure before treatment.
Protect Your Vision With Corneal Care in Western New York
If you're experiencing changes in vision, discomfort, or have been diagnosed with a corneal condition, early treatment is important. Call us or request an appointment to meet with one of Buffalo’s most trusted corneal specialists.