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Cornea

Cornea

There are several promising ways to restore vision in eyes with corneal diseases. If you are suffering from blurred vision or any corneal abnormality, please call us for a consultation to see how you can achieve your best possible vision.

What is the Cornea?

The cornea is the clear, front part of the eye. It allows light to enter the eye and helps brings images to focus. The cornea must maintain a smooth, clear, regular surface to maintain excellent visual clarity.

Various diseases that may affect the cornea include keratoconus, corneal ectasias, corneal dystrophies such as epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD), corneal degenerations such as Salzmann’s nodular degeneration, corneal scars, corneal ulcers (bacteria, fungus, herpetic), corneal abrasions, limbal stem cell deficiency, neoplasia, pterygium, corneal edema, and endothelial dystrophies such as Fuch’s Endothelial Dystrophy.

At our practice, we have multiple board-certified ophthalmologists that specialize in the cornea and will work with you to achieve your best possible vision. 

Cornea Conditions and Treatments

Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, better known as EBMD, and Salzmann’s nodular degeneration are both changes on the cornea that create irregular astigmatism. This irregular astigmatism can result in blurred vision. Your doctor may elect to treat you with eye drops. Other options include superficial keratectomy or phototherapeutic keratectomy, both safe and effective options to enhance clarity of vision.

Corneal ulcers are infections on the cornea that typically result from bacteria or fungus. They are associated with sleeping or swimming in contact lenses. Diagnosis is made clinically or with the help of laboratory cultures. Treatment is tailored towards the specific organism. Additionally, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), commonly known to produce cold sores, can also affect the eye. Though most people are exposed to the virus during childhood, the virus will live in the nerves for years and can become active in the eye at any moment. Treatment involves oral antiviral medication along with eye drops. Most non-aggressive corneal ulcers resolve and may leave a residual scar that can be corrected with special contact lenses or laser surgery.

As your vision becomes cloudy, cornea surgery may be an option to help restore your vision. Cornea surgeries are widely performed and can drastically improve vision. We offer a variety of corneal surgeries, and your surgeon will discuss with you the most appropriate type for your specific needs. 

Endothelial keratoplasties, known as DMEK or DSAEK, are safe and frequently performed procedures for a variety of endothelial diseases. They are often performed for Fuch’s Endothelial Dystrophy and post cataract surgery corneal edema. In this surgery, the innermost layer of the cornea, known as the endothelium, is replaced with a healthy donor endothelium to restore vision and minimize corneal edema. Most patients do very well and have vision restored in weeks to months.

A full thickness corneal transplant, known as a penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), is generally reserved for more advanced and complex corneal conditions. The surgery involves removing all layers of the unhealthy cornea and replacing them with a healthy donor cornea to improve vision. 

Pterygiums are excess white tissue that grow on to the cornea. They usually result from excess UV / sun exposure. Pterygiums can result in discomfort, redness, and blurred vision if left untreated. Treatment involves an efficient outpatient procedure where your surgeon makes an incision, removes the pterygium, and may use a graft to cover the exposed area.

Cornea Doctors

Gaston O. Lacayo, III
Gaston O. Lacayo, III
Daniela Reyes-Capó
Daniela Reyes-Capó
Matthew Shulman
Matthew Shulman
William B. Trattler
William B. Trattler

Contact Us

Our Locations

Baptist Medical Arts Building

8940 North Kendall Drive
Suite 400-E
Miami, FL 33176

Phone: 305-598-2020
Fax: 305-274-0426

West Kendall Baptist Hospital

15955 SW 96th Street
Suite 206
Miami, FL 33196

Fax: 305-385-9003

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‍Mon — Fri: 8:00am — 5:00pm
Sat — Sun: Closed
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This site does not provide medical advice. While the information found on this website is generally true, specific conditions as they may relate to you may be different including the diagnosis and potential treatments. The information on this website should not be considered a substitute for a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified eye care professional. Always seek the advice of your qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical concern or condition. Unsolicited emails and messages may not be answered.

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