Introduction to Corneal Disorders
Submitted by Dr. Vincent Basilice on October 25, 2018
A WORD ABOUT KERATOCONUS
Keratoconus is a condition where the shape of the cornea or window of the eye is abnormal. The vision is often blurred and difficult to correct in eyeglasses. Patients will often require contact lenses to improve vision however this may also prove difficult to perform. Fortunately, newer simple outpatient surgical procedures can be performed to improve keratoconus. The placement of INTACS within the cornea can help to normalize the shape of the cornea making contact lens or eyeglass wear possible once again. If you, a family member, or friend, have keratoconus contact your eye surgeon at TOC Eye located in East Setauket, Long Island, for an evaluation to see if you are a candidate for this FDA approved procedure.
WHAT CAUSES DRY EYES?
Dry eye remains a major cause of visual discomfort for many patients. This condition which affects women more than men is often the result of increasing age, environmental changes, contact lens wear and systemic medication. Patients often complain of fluctuating vision, burning, foreign body sensation, and eye discomfort. Many treatments exist for the treatment of dry eye including the use of artificial tears, nutritional supplements such as HydroEye, Restasis, and punctual plugs. If you, a family member, or friend, suffer from dry eye, redness in the eye, or keratoconjunctivits sicca, contact your eye doctor at TOC Eye located in East Setauket, Long Island, to arrange an evaluation.
THE CORNEA
The cornea or window of the eye is one of the most important components to clear vision. Functioning like the windshield of a car, the cornea needs to be clear and free of deposits, haze or debris to work optimally for your vision. Various medical conditions can affect the cornea resulting in less than premium vision. The eye doctors at TOC Eye are experts at diagnosing conditions which alter corneal function including dry eye, corneal dystrophies and infections. Fellowship trained eye surgeons can evaluate for various unique corneal conditions such as Fuchs Dystrophy and basement membrane dystrophy and treat appropriately. If you, a family member, or friend, suffer from a corneal condition or dystrophy, contact the eye doctors at TOC Eye Center located in East Setauket, Long Island, to arrange an evaluation.
HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A CORNEAL CONDITION CALLED FUCHS DYSTROPHY?
Fuchs Dystrophy is a familial eye condition which can lead to chronic swelling or edema of the cornea particularly after cataract surgery. The fellowship trained eye surgeons at TOC Eye can evaluate this condition and treat appropriately both before and after surgery. Using the most advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques, Fuchs Dystrophy can be treated with DSEK (Descemets’ stripping endothelial keratoplasty) to improve vision. If you, a family member, or friend, suffer from Fuchs Dystrophy or corneal edema please contact the eye doctors at TOC Eye located in East Setauket, Long Island, for an evaluation to see if you are a candidate for this advanced surgical procedure.
COMMON INFECTIONS OF THE EYE
Corneal infections can be problematic impacting vision considerably. Herpes keratitis is a particularly common infection of the cornea which can lead to scarring and loss of vision if not appropriately treated. The fellowship trained corneal specialists at TOC Eye located in East Setauket, Long Island are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of herpes keratitis. This condition, similar to a “cold sore” reaction in the cornea can begin in childhood as recurrent episodes of “pink eye.” Proper intervention is required to manage this eye condition which in almost all cases can be controlled and vision maintained indefinitely. If you, a family member, or friend, suffer from Herpes keratitis or corneal scarring from dendritiform keratitis please contact the eye doctors of TOC Eye located in East Setauket Long Island to arrange an evaluation.
HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH SHINGLES? READ ABOUT HOW THIS CONDITION CAN AFFECT YOUR EYES
Shingles is the representation of a recurrent infection from the “chicken pox” which had occurred in childhood. The virus also known as varicella or herpes zoster, can result in an infection of the eye and surrounding tissues usually on one side commonly involving the forehead. Prompt evaluation by an eye physician is indicated to rule out infection of the delicate eye tissue which could lead to loss of vision if left untreated. The eye specialists at TOC Eye are trained in the evaluation and management of herpes zoster including the residual effects of past infection. If you, a family member, or friend, suffer from Herpes zoster or corneal scarring from previous shingles please contact TOC Eye located in East Setauket Long Island to arrange an evaluation. Our certified eye doctors can see you at our East Setauket location 631-751-2020 or our Wading River location 631-209-4200.
