Cornea
Understanding the Cornea and Your Eye Health
Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye. It plays a vital role in focusing light so you can see clearly. A healthy cornea is essential for good vision, but conditions like keratoconus, corneal scarring, or thinning can affect how well it works. At Harvard Eye Associates, we offer advanced treatments to help protect and restore your corneal health.
Common Corneal Conditions
Some of the most common corneal conditions include:
Fortunately, several treatment options are available to manage these conditions and improve your vision.
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
Cross-linking is a non-invasive procedure designed to strengthen a weakened cornea, most commonly used to treat keratoconus. It works by applying special eye drops (riboflavin) to the cornea, followed by controlled UV light exposure. This process helps “cross-link” the collagen fibers in the cornea, making it more stable and less likely to bulge over time.
Benefits of Cross-Linking:
- Slows or stops progression of keratoconus
- Helps preserve your vision
- Safe, outpatient procedure
Scleral Lenses
Scleral contact lenses are large, gas-permeable lenses that rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) and vault over the cornea. They are ideal for patients with irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus, post-surgical complications, or severe dry eye.
Why Patients Love Scleral Lenses:
- Improved comfort and clear vision
- Customized fit for irregular or sensitive eyes
- Can be life-changing for patients who can’t wear regular contact lenses
Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty (CTAK)
CTAK (Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty) is an innovative, tissue-sparing alternative to corneal transplant surgery. This procedure involves adding thin layers of donor corneal tissue to reshape and reinforce a weakened or distorted cornea—especially in advanced cases of keratoconus.
Advantages of CTAK:
- Minimally invasive
- Preserves your natural cornea
- Can be combined with cross-linking for even better results
Protecting Your Vision Starts with Expert Corneal Care
If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or have been told you have an irregular cornea, there are more treatment options than ever before. At Harvard Eye Associates, our experienced team uses the latest technology to diagnose, manage, and treat corneal conditions – helping you maintain clear, comfortable vision for years to come.
Schedule Your Corneal Evaluation Today
Don’t wait to protect your sight. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive corneal evaluation and find out if treatments like cross-linking, scleral lenses, or CTAK are right for you.
