Cataract Operation

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Cornea

Comprehensive Cornea Care at Al-Noor Eye Hospital

At Al-Noor Eye Hospital, our Cornea Department provides advanced care for a wide range of corneal diseases and conditions. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of corneal disorders, offering cutting-edge procedures and personalized treatment plans to restore and preserve vision.

What Is a Cataract?

The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped front layer of the eye, which plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina. A healthy cornea is essential for clear vision, but various conditions can affect its transparency, leading to vision problems. The Cornea Department at Al-Noor Eye Hospital is dedicated to treating these conditions effectively and efficiently.

Whether you need medical management, laser treatment, or corneal surgery, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Conditions Treated by the Cornea Department

Our specialists are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of corneal diseases, including:

  • Keratoconus: A progressive thinning and weakening of the cornea, leading to a cone-shaped distortion of the eye. This condition can cause significant visual impairment if not treated early.
  • Corneal Infections (Keratitis): Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections that affect the cornea. These infections can cause pain, redness, and reduced vision, and may lead to corneal scarring if not treated promptly.
  • Corneal Scarring: Scars on the cornea caused by trauma, infection, or other diseases, which can obstruct light from entering the eye properly, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
  • Corneal Dystrophies: A group of genetic conditions that cause the cornea to lose its clarity due to the accumulation of abnormal material. Fuchs’ Dystrophy is a common example that affects the inner layer of the cornea, causing swelling and vision problems.
  • Dry Eye Disease: A common condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, redness, and blurred vision.
  • Pterygium: A growth of fleshy tissue on the white part of the eye that can extend onto the cornea, causing irritation and affecting vision if left untreated.

Diagnostic Procedures for Corneal Assessment

We utilize the latest diagnostic technologies to accurately assess the health and function of the cornea, ensuring precise diagnosis and optimal treatment. Our diagnostic procedures include:

  • Corneal Topography: A specialized imaging technique that maps the surface curvature of the cornea. This test is essential for diagnosing conditions like keratoconus and planning refractive surgeries.
  • Pachymetry: A non-invasive test that measures the thickness of the cornea, which is critical in evaluating corneal health and determining suitability for certain surgeries like LASIK.
  • Specular Microscopy: This test examines the endothelial cells on the inner surface of the cornea, which are responsible for maintaining corneal clarity. It is particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring corneal dystrophies.
  • Slit-Lamp Examination: A detailed examination of the cornea using a specialized microscope to detect any abnormalities such as infections, scars, or dystrophies.
  • Tear Film Assessment: Various tests to evaluate the quality and quantity of the tear film, essential for diagnosing dry eye disease.

Treatment Options for Corneal Conditions

Our Cornea Department offers a full spectrum of treatment options, ranging from non-invasive therapies to advanced surgical procedures. These include:

  • Medications: For corneal infections or inflammations, we prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, or anti-inflammatory eye drops. In cases of dry eye disease, artificial tears or other therapies may be recommended.
  • Corneal Injections: We administer specialized injections to treat certain conditions like corneal ulcers or to deliver medications directly to the cornea.
  • Laser Treatment: For conditions like corneal scars or dystrophies, laser therapy can be used to reshape or remove affected corneal tissue, restoring clarity and improving vision.
  • Corneal Transplantation (Keratoplasty): For advanced corneal diseases, we offer various types of corneal transplants, including:
    • Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): A full-thickness corneal transplant, where the entire diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.
    • DSEK/DSAEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty): A partial-thickness transplant that only replaces the damaged inner layer of the cornea, preserving the healthy outer layers.
    • DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty): A procedure that removes the front layers of the cornea while leaving the inner layers intact, used for conditions like keratoconus or corneal scars.
  • Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): A minimally invasive procedure to strengthen the cornea in patients with keratoconus, halting the progression of the disease and preserving vision.

 

Benefits of Corneal Treatment

By receiving timely and appropriate treatment for corneal conditions, patients can experience:

  • Improved vision and clarity
  • Relief from pain, discomfort, and light sensitivity
  • Prevention of further damage to the cornea
  • Enhanced quality of life through restored vision

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

Proper post-treatment care is essential for a successful recovery. After undergoing corneal treatments or surgeries, patients should follow these guidelines:

Do:

  • Use prescribed eye drops as directed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  • Wear protective eyewear to shield the eyes from dust, wind, or bright sunlight.
  • Attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the treatment is progressing well.

Don’t:

  • Rub or press on the eyes, especially after surgery, as this can disrupt the healing process.
  • Engage in strenuous activities or heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery.
  • Ignore any signs of infection, such as redness, pain, or sudden vision changes—contact your doctor immediately if these occur.