Elkhart
Ophthalmology

Cornea Surgery

Cornea Surgery:

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. It plays a crucial role in focusing light entering the eye onto the retina and facilitating clear vision.
There are a number of conditions that can affect the corneal surface, such as recurrent corneal erosions (RCE), corneal dystrophies, corneal scars, and pterygium

Superficial keratectomy:

This is an in-office surgical procedure to help clear the surface of the eye. It involves the removal of the outer layers of the cornea. Utilizing specialized instruments, Dr. Szymarek carefully removes the targeted superficial layers of the cornea. After the removal of the affected tissue, Dr. Szymarek may smooth and shape the corneal surface to optimize its clarity and functionality. Postoperative medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed to aid in healing and prevent infection. Sometimes a bandage contact lens or an amniotic membrane graft is placed on the eye to facilitate healing.

Pterygium excision:

A pterygium is a growth of pink, fleshy tissue that can extend onto the cornea. While it is usually benign, a pterygium can occasionally cause discomfort and affect vision if it grows large enough.
Pterygium excision is a surgical procedure performed in the operating room to remove the pterygium from the surface of the eye. The procedure is indicated if the pterygium is causing irregular astigmatism, decreased vision, or significant irritation or discomfort of the eye.