Cornea Specialist

Specialized Care for Your Cornea

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. It's responsible for about two-thirds of your eye's focusing power and serves as a protective barrier. When the cornea is damaged or diseased, vision can be severely affected.

At Envision Eye Group, Dr. Laiyin Ma provides comprehensive corneal care, from routine conditions to complex surgical procedures. Whether you have keratoconus, a corneal infection, or need a transplant evaluation, we're here to help restore your vision.

Cornea Specialist

Advanced Diagnostics

Surgical Expertise

Cornea examination at Envision Eye Group

Understanding the Cornea

A remarkable structure essential for clear vision

The cornea is composed of five distinct layers, each playing a crucial role in maintaining clarity and function. Despite having no blood vessels, it's one of the most sensitive tissues in the body, containing more nerve endings per square millimeter than any other tissue.

The cornea protects your eye from dust, germs, and UV rays while providing about 65-75% of your eye's total focusing power. Any irregularity, scarring, or disease can significantly impact vision.

Epithelium

The outermost layer that blocks foreign material and absorbs oxygen and nutrients from tears.

Bowman's Layer

A tough layer that protects the stroma from injury and scarring.

Stroma

The thickest layer (90% of cornea), composed of precisely arranged collagen fibers for transparency.

Descemet's Membrane

A thin but strong layer that protects against infection and injury.

Endothelium

The innermost layer that pumps fluid out of the cornea to keep it clear.

Conditions We Treat

Comprehensive care for all corneal disorders

Keratoconus

A progressive condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted vision. We offer corneal cross-linking, specialty contact lenses, and surgical options.

Fuchs' Dystrophy

A progressive disease where endothelial cells gradually die, leading to corneal swelling and cloudy vision. May require corneal transplant in advanced cases.

Corneal Infections

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections (keratitis) that can threaten vision. Prompt treatment is essential. Common in contact lens wearers.

Corneal Ulcers

Open sores on the cornea, often from infection or injury. Requires aggressive treatment to prevent scarring and vision loss.

Corneal Dystrophies

Inherited conditions affecting corneal clarity. Includes lattice, granular, and other dystrophies requiring specialized management.

Pterygium

A fleshy growth on the cornea, often from UV exposure. May require surgical removal if affecting vision or comfort.

Corneal Scars

Scarring from injury, infection, or surgery that blocks light. Various treatments available depending on scar depth and location.

Herpes Keratitis

Recurrent eye infection caused by herpes simplex virus. Requires careful management to prevent scarring and vision loss.

Treatment Options

From medical management to advanced surgery

Medical Treatments

Antibiotic/Antiviral Drops: For infections and preventing recurrence
Anti-inflammatory Drops: Steroids and NSAIDs to reduce inflammation
Specialty Contact Lenses: Scleral and RGP lenses for irregular corneas
Lubricating Drops: To protect and heal the corneal surface

Corneal Cross-Linking

A revolutionary treatment for keratoconus that strengthens corneal tissue using riboflavin drops and UV light. This FDA-approved procedure can halt the progression of keratoconus and in some cases improve vision.

Outpatient procedure
Minimal discomfort
Proven to stop disease progression

Corneal Transplant Surgery

When the cornea is too damaged to heal, transplant surgery replaces diseased tissue with healthy donor tissue. We offer multiple transplant techniques:

DSAEK/DMEK: Partial thickness transplants for endothelial disease (Fuchs')
DALK: Partial thickness transplant preserving healthy endothelium
PKP: Full thickness transplant for severe corneal disease

Other Surgical Procedures

PTK: Phototherapeutic keratectomy to remove scars and irregularities
Pterygium Excision: Removal of pterygium with conjunctival grafting
Amniotic Membrane: Promotes healing for severe surface disease

Focus: Keratoconus

Understanding and treating this progressive condition

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition where the normally round cornea progressively thins and bulges outward into a cone shape. This irregular shape causes blurred and distorted vision that can't be fully corrected with glasses. It typically begins in the teenage years and may progress until the 30s or 40s.

Signs & Symptoms

Blurred, distorted vision
Frequent prescription changes
Increased light sensitivity
Glare and halos around lights
Eye strain and headaches

Treatment Approach

Glasses/Soft Contacts: May work in early stages
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses: Better correction for moderate disease
Scleral Lenses: Large lenses that vault over the cornea
Corneal Cross-Linking: Stops or slows progression
Corneal Transplant: For advanced cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include blurred or distorted vision, eye pain or discomfort, redness, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, feeling like something is in your eye, and visible cloudiness or white spots on the cornea. If you experience sudden vision changes, severe pain, or signs of infection, seek immediate care.

Keratoconus is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes corneal topography (mapping the cornea's shape), pachymetry (measuring corneal thickness), and careful refraction. We use advanced imaging to detect early keratoconus and monitor progression over time.

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a procedure that strengthens the cornea by creating new bonds between collagen fibers. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are applied to the cornea, then activated with UV light. This FDA-approved treatment can halt or slow keratoconus progression and is most effective when performed early.

Corneal transplant is considered when the cornea is too scarred, cloudy, or irregular to provide functional vision, and other treatments haven't helped. Conditions that may require transplant include advanced keratoconus, Fuchs' dystrophy, severe corneal scarring, and certain corneal infections that don't respond to treatment.

Recovery varies by transplant type. Modern partial-thickness transplants (DSAEK, DMEK) have faster recovery, often 1-3 months for functional vision. Full-thickness transplants (PKP) take longer, typically 6-12 months or more for vision to stabilize. You'll use eye drops for months to years and need regular follow-up visits.

Yes, improper contact lens use is a leading cause of corneal infections and damage. Sleeping in lenses, overwearing, poor hygiene, and using water with lenses all increase risk. Corneal infections can lead to scarring and permanent vision loss. Follow your prescribed wearing schedule and care instructions carefully.

For any eye injury, don't rub the eye, don't try to remove embedded objects, and don't apply pressure. Rinse with clean water if chemicals are involved. Cover the eye loosely and seek immediate medical care. Call us at (929) 533-1633 for urgent guidance, or go to the emergency room for severe injuries.

Most corneal treatments are medically necessary and covered by insurance, including corneal transplants, cross-linking for keratoconus, and infection treatment. Coverage varies by plan, and some newer treatments may require prior authorization. We'll help verify your coverage and work with your insurance.