Cornea Care
Our ophthalmologists are experienced in treating a wide range of corneal conditions.
Corneal Conditions and Treatment Options
The cornea is the clear, dome‑shaped “window” at the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. Because light must pass through the cornea to reach the retina, a healthy and clear cornea is essential for good vision.
At Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, we provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for conditions affecting the cornea. Our cornea services are led by Jacob K. Thomas, MD, a fellowship‑trained cornea specialist with advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating complex corneal diseases. Our experienced team is committed to delivering thoughtful, individualized care while helping patients clearly understand their condition and treatment options.
Our Cornea Services Include
- Management of ocular surface tumors using both topical chemotherapy and surgical techniques
- Corneal topography and advanced diagnostic imaging
- Pterygium surgery
- Dry eye evaluation and treatment
- Complex and complicated cataract surgery
- Refractive surgery, including LASIK and advanced laser vision correction
- Eye banking and corneal transplant coordination
Using this expertise, our cornea team commonly treats conditions such as corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, corneal scarring, and infections.
Fuchs’ Dystrophy
What Is Fuchs’ Dystrophy?
The cornea is made up of three main layers:
- Epithelium – the outer protective surface
- Stroma – the thick middle layer
- Endothelium – the inner layer responsible for keeping the cornea clear by pumping out excess fluid
In Fuchs’ dystrophy, the endothelial cells gradually become damaged and die. These cells do not regenerate. As they are lost, small bumps called guttata form on the inner surface of the cornea. Guttata are often the first sign of Fuchs’ dystrophy and can cause glare and reduced visual quality.
As the condition progresses, the endothelium can no longer effectively remove fluid from the cornea. This leads to fluid buildup, causing the cornea to thicken and become cloudy, often described as looking like a foggy or steamy window. Vision may become increasingly blurred, especially in later stages.
How Is Fuchs’ Dystrophy Treated?
Corneal Transplant: Overview
DSEK: Overview
Dry Eye Disease
Tears play a vital role in keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. They keep the eye moist, wash away dust and debris, and provide a smooth surface for clear vision. Without proper tear lubrication, dry eye disease can develop.
Dry eye is a chronic condition that often worsens over time. If left untreated, it can interfere with daily activities such as reading, working on a computer, or enjoying time outdoors, and may affect overall quality of life.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
While artificial tears and some prescription eye drops may provide temporary relief, effective treatment starts with identifying the underlying cause of dry eye.
The doctors at Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center offer a wide range of personalized treatment options for all types of dry eye. Depending on your specific condition, treatment may include:
- Prescription eye drops such as Restasis®
- Punctal (tear duct) plugs to help retain natural tears
- Nutraceutical supplements
- Additional targeted therapies designed to improve tear quality and comfort
Our goal is not just to relieve symptoms, but to improve long‑term eye comfort and protect your vision.
Keratoconus: Overview
Keratoconus
What is Keratoconus?
The cornea is made up of millions of microscopic fibers that work together to maintain its smooth, rounded shape. In keratoconus, these fibers weaken, causing the cornea to gradually thin and bulge forward into a cone‑like shape.
This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly and can lead to distorted or blurred vision. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, although one eye is often more severely affected. In advanced cases, corneal scarring may develop and further reduce vision.
How Is Keratoconus Treated?
Keratoconus often causes irregular astigmatism that cannot be fully corrected with glasses. Rigid or specialty contact lenses are often used to improve vision by creating a smoother optical surface.
If contact lenses are not effective or cannot be tolerated, surgical options may be considered. In the past, treatment often required a full corneal transplant. Today, advances in corneal care continue to expand available treatment options, allowing for more targeted and individualized approaches.
