Cornea Disease & Treatment - Dr. Black's Eye Associates

Corneal Disease and Surgical Procedures

At Dr. Black’s Eye Associates, celebrating 40 years as a pillar of our community, we specialize in advanced treatments for corneal disease. Our expert team utilizes cutting-edge surgical procedures to address conditions like Fuchs’ Dystrophy, pterygia, pinguecula, or another problem that involves the cornea our cornea specialist can offer you the most advanced treatments available. We’re dedicated to restoring your vision and enhancing your quality of life. Trust us with your corneal health and experience excellence in care with a practice that’s been trusted for decades.

FAQs

Discover cutting-edge solutions for corneal diseases at our esteemed practice. With expert surgical procedures and personalized care, we’re committed to improving vision and enhancing quality of life for our community.

How is Fuchs' Dystrophy treated?

Fuchs' dystrophy is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea, specifically the endothelial cells responsible for maintaining the cornea's clarity by regulating fluid balance. Treatment for Fuchs' dystrophy depends on the stage of the disease and the severity of symptoms.

Early cases of Fuchs’ Dystrophy can be treated with eye drops that remove excess water from the cornea.

The cornea’s endothelium can be damaged by high pressure within the eye, making Fuchs’ dystrophy worse. For endothelial dystrophy with high pressure, glaucoma eye drops may reduce that pressure.

Painful corneal abrasions can result as the disease progresses. A cornea transplant may be needed if the abrasions cause significant vision loss.

An amniotic membrane graft can sometimes be used to treat corneal ulcers that have caused the cornea to become too thin or to perforate. These grafts are often intended as a temporary tissue bandage before cornea transplantation, but sometimes serve as a permanent treatment.

How is EBMD treated?

Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD), also known as Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy, is a condition where the basement membrane of the corneal epithelium is irregularly shaped or thickened. Treatment for EBMD focuses on managing symptoms and providing relief rather than curing the condition completely. Here are some common approaches to managing EBMD:

Artificial Tears and Lubricating Ointments: These help alleviate dryness and discomfort caused by EBMD. Lubricating drops or ointments can be used regularly to keep the cornea moist.
Antibiotic Ointments: In cases where there is recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) associated with EBMD, antibiotic ointments may be prescribed to prevent infections and promote healing.
Bandage Contact Lenses: These lenses can protect the cornea and reduce friction, helping to prevent recurrent erosions and alleviate symptoms.
Debridement or Epithelial Removal: In severe cases, where there are frequent erosions or significant symptoms, removing the affected epithelial cells (debridement) may be considered to promote smoother healing and reduce discomfort.
Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK): PTK is a laser procedure that can be used to smooth irregularities on the corneal surface. It is sometimes employed in cases of persistent or severe EBMD to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of erosions.
Bandage or Therapeutic Contact Lenses: These lenses can be used to protect the cornea and promote healing in cases of recurrent erosions.
Topical Steroids: In some cases, topical steroids may be used to reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with EBMD.

It's important to note that treatment for EBMD is tailored to each individual based on the severity of symptoms and the specific characteristics of the condition. Consulting with an ophthalmologist is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for managing EBMD effectively.

How are Pterygia treated?

Pterygia are growths of tissue that appear on the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye. Treatment for pterygia depends on the size, symptoms, and whether they are causing vision problems or discomfort.

Conservative Management:

Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops or ointments can help relieve dryness and irritation caused by pterygia.
Avoidance of Irritants: Protection from UV light and environmental irritants (such as wind, dust, and smoke) can help prevent pterygia from worsening.

Medications:

Steroid Eye Drops: These may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with pterygia, especially if they are causing significant discomfort.

Surgical Removal:

Excision: Surgical removal of the pterygium is often recommended if it causes persistent irritation, affects vision by encroaching on the cornea (astigmatism), or if it grows rapidly.
- Simple Excision: This involves removing the pterygium and sometimes a small amount of healthy conjunctival tissue.
- Conjunctival Autografting: After excision, a piece of healthy conjunctival tissue from another part of the eye is grafted onto the area to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Amniotic Membrane Grafting: In cases where the pterygium is large or recurrent, an amniotic membrane graft may be used to cover the area after excision to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the size and growth pattern of the pterygium, and the patient's overall eye health. Regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist is important to monitor for recurrence and ensure optimal eye health after treatment.

How is pinguecula treated?

Pinguecula is a yellowish or whitish growth on the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye) that typically appears near the cornea. Treatment for pinguecula is focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Your doctor will consider how severe the symptoms are before recommending a treatment.

If a pinguecula is mild, the doctor may prescribe lubricating eye drops. If significant swelling and inflammation are present, steroid eye drops or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug may be prescribed.

If the pinguecula interferes with vision, blinking, or wearing a contact lens, surgical removal may be recommended.

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