SEES Management Solutions

Cornea

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The Cornea

The cornea is the first and front part of the eye that helps transmit light into the eye. It plays a vital role in focusing light rays onto the retina. The cornea is dome-shaped and if not shaped correctly, the eye cannot focus light rays the way it needs to. This in turn can lead to:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Astigmatism

LASIK and PRK can be used to correct this problem by adjusting the shape of the cornea.

Cornea Disease

Corneas can become diseased which can cause severe vision problems and potentially even blindness. Some of the more common types are keratitis and keratoconus. Our team will aid you in determining a treatment plan that is best suited for your needs.

 

Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that can be caused by:

  • Bacteria
  • Fungus
  • Virus
  • Overexposure to ultraviolet rays
  • Dryness

Keratitis is most commonly treated with special antibiotic drops. VisionAmerica will perform special tests to see what treatment option is appropriate for you.

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Keratoconus

Unlike keratitis, keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition where the cornea weakens and bulges forward. Symptoms often include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Nearsightedness and/or astigmatism
  • Increased sensitivity to light

 

Treating Keratoconus

Corneal Cross-Linking- Clearer Days Ahead

Cross-linking is an outpatient procedure for that combines the use of UVA light and riboflavin eye drops which in turn can strengthen the cornea. Possible benefits of cross-linking:

  • Creates new corneal collagen cross-links
  • Results in shortening and thickening of the collagen fibrils
  • Leads to the stiffening and strengthening of the cornea

 

Is Cross-Linking the Best Decision for Me?

If you are over 14 years of age and have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia following refractive surgery, you may want to consider cross-linking.

 

VisionAmerica is reinventing the eye care experience by offering the first and only therapeutic products for cross-linking. Consult with one of our specialists about your options today.

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