Cornea

Cornea Specialists in the Greater Tampa Bay – St. Petersburg Area

At Sight360, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal conditions, dedicated to preserving and improving your vision. With a focus on advanced techniques and personalized care, our team of cornea specialists is committed to providing you with the highest quality treatment options available.

Our Cornea Services

Sight360 offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to address a variety of corneal conditions and disorders. From common issues like dry eye syndrome and corneal abrasions to more complex conditions such as keratoconus and corneal dystrophies, our experts are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to effectively diagnose and treat your condition.

Common Conditions and Treatments for Cornea

Cornea Conditions:

• Keratoconus – A progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, leading to distorted vision.
• Corneal Dystrophies – Inherited disorders causing abnormal deposits or changes in the cornea, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy or lattice dystrophy.
• Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy/Map Dot Fingerprint Dystrophy – A common corneal dystrophy that affects the basement membrane under the cornea’s epithelium causing pain, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and a foreign body sensation in the eye.
• Fuchs Dystrophy – A condition in which fluid builds up in the cornea causing impaired vision and discomfort.
• Lattice Dystrophy – A rare, inherited eye disease that causes a gradual loss of vision from a buildup of amyloid deposits in the cornea that create a lattice-like pattern.
• Corneal Abrasions – Scratches or injuries to the surface of the cornea, often causing pain and discomfort
• Corneal Ulcers – Open sores on the cornea usually caused by infection or injury.
• Dry Eye Syndrome – Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, leading to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
• Corneal Scars – Areas of opaque or cloudy tissue on the cornea, often resulting from injury, infection, or previous surgery.
• Corneal Edema – Swelling of the cornea due to fluid accumulation, leading to blurred vision and discomfort.
• Corneal Ectasia – A condition characterized by thinning and bulging of the cornea, including conditions like keratoconus.
• Corneal Infections – Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections affecting the cornea, such as bacterial keratitis or herpes simplex keratitis.
• Corneal Degeneration – Progressive deterioration of the cornea over time, leading to vision loss and discomfort.
• Recurrent Corneal Erosion – Episodes of the corneal epithelium (outer layer) detaching from the underlying tissue, causing pain and sensitivity.
• Corneal Neovascularization – Abnormal growth of blood vessels into the cornea, often associated with inflammation or injury.
• Corneal Opacities – Cloudiness or opacity of the cornea, affecting vision and clarity.
• Pterygium – A growth of tissue on the conjunctiva that may extend onto the cornea, causing irritation and visual disturbance.
• Corneal Trauma – Injuries to the cornea resulting from accidents, foreign objects, or surgical complications.

Cornea Treatments:

• Medications – Depending on the specific condition, medications such as antibiotics, antivirals, or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to manage infections, reduce inflammation, or alleviate symptoms like pain and discomfort.
• Eye Drops – Lubricating eye drops are often recommended to relieve dryness and irritation associated with conditions like dry eye syndrome. Additionally, medicated eye drops may be prescribed to treat infections or reduce inflammation.
• Contact Lenses – Specialty contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable lenses or scleral lenses, may be used to improve vision and comfort in patients with irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus or corneal scars.
• Corneal Cross-Linking – This procedure involves the application of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops followed by exposure to ultraviolet light. It is used to strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of conditions like keratoconus.
• Corneal Transplantation – In cases of advanced corneal disease or damage, a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) may be necessary to replace the damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. Different types of corneal transplants include penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), and endothelial keratoplasty (EK).
• Corneal Reshaping Procedures – Refractive surgeries such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) may be performed to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
• Amniotic Membrane Transplantation – This procedure involves the placement of a piece of amniotic membrane onto the surface of the cornea to promote healing and reduce inflammation in conditions such as corneal ulcers or severe dry eye syndrome.
• Intacs – Intracorneal ring segments, known as Intacs, are small, arc-shaped devices implanted into the cornea to flatten and reshape it, often used in the treatment of keratoconus or corneal ectasia.
• Corneal Debridement – In cases of recurrent corneal erosions or superficial corneal scars, a procedure called corneal debridement may be performed to remove damaged or irregular tissue and promote healing.
• Artificial Corneas – In rare cases where traditional corneal transplantation is not feasible or successful, artificial corneas (keratoprostheses) may be implanted to restore vision and improve corneal function.

Advanced Treatment Options

As leaders in the field of cornea care, Sight360 is proud to offer the latest advancements in treatment options to our patients. Whether you require medical management, minimally invasive procedures like corneal cross-linking, or advanced surgical interventions such as corneal transplantation, you can trust in our commitment to delivering superior outcomes and preserving your vision.

Common Diagnostic Tools and Procedures for Cornea

Diagnostic Tools and Procedures

• Visual Acuity Test – Measures the sharpness of vision. Patients read letters on a chart from a standard distance to determine visual clarity.
• Slit Lamp Examination – A biomicroscope with a bright light is used to inspect the cornea, lens, and other structures of the eye in detail. It helps in identifying abnormalities or damage to the cornea.
• Corneal Topography – Maps the curvature of the cornea. It’s used to detect irregularities such as those found in keratoconus or other corneal conditions. The topography creates a detailed, color-coded map of the corneal surface.
• Corneal Pachymetry – Measures the thickness of the cornea. Thin corneas can be a sign of certain conditions like keratoconus, while thick corneas might be associated with other issues.
• Confocal Microscopy – Provides high-resolution images of the corneal structure. It’s useful for assessing cellular changes and detecting conditions such as infections or dystrophies.
• Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the cornea and other eye structures. It helps in evaluating corneal thickness and detecting subtle changes.
• Fluorescein Dye Test – A special dye is applied to the surface of the eye to detect corneal abrasions, ulcers, or other surface issues. The dye highlights irregularities under a blue light.
• Keratometry – Measures the curvature of the cornea. It’s essential for diagnosing conditions that affect the shape of the cornea and for planning certain types of eye surgery.

Corrective Procedures

• Glasses and Contact Lenses – Prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct vision problems caused by corneal irregularities. Specialized contact lenses, like rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses or scleral lenses, may be used for conditions such as keratoconus.
• Refractive Surgery
  • LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) – A laser is used to reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
  • PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) – Similar to LASIK but involves removing the outer layer of the cornea before reshaping it with a laser.
  • SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) – A minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a small lens-shaped piece of tissue from the cornea using a laser.
• Corneal Transplant Surgery
  • Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) – Replaces the entire cornea with a donor cornea.
  • Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) – Replaces only the inner layers of the cornea.
  • Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) – Replaces only the very thin layer of the inner cornea.
• Corneal Cross-Linking/Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) – Used to strengthen the corneal tissue, particularly in cases of keratoconus. It involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) and exposing the cornea to UV light to increase the stiffness of the cornea

Patient-Centered Care

We understand the impact that corneal conditions can have on your quality of life. That’s why we prioritize compassionate, patient-centered care, taking the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Experience the Difference

When you choose Sight360, you’re choosing a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping you achieve optimal eye health and vision. With state-of-the-art technology, advanced treatment options, and a commitment to excellence, we’re here to guide you every step of the way on your journey to clearer vision and improved quality of life.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t let corneal issues affect your vision and daily life any longer. Schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step toward better eye health and clearer vision. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to assist you and provide the exceptional care you deserve.

Experience the difference at Sight360 – where expertise meets compassion for your vision needs.