Corneal Disease Treatments
Corneal Dystrophy, Fuchs’ Dystrophy, Keratoconus, Corneal Inflammation and Injury
Call for an AppointmentCorneal disease can severely affect your vision if not treated promptly and effectively. Duke corneal specialists in Durham, Raleigh, and Cary provide treatment for a variety of corneal diseases, including corneal dystrophies such as Fuchs’ dystrophy; corneal inflammation, scarring, and ulcers; dry eye; and keratoconus. If your condition has progressed to the point where you need corneal transplant surgery, we offer both full- and partial-thickness corneal transplants as well as artificial cornea placement.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Tests
Your corneal surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of your eye and its structures using a variety of imaging devices to help diagnose any corneal disorders or diseases.
Slit Lamp Exam
This gives your doctor a magnified, 3-D view of the structures at the front of your eye.
Corneal Topography and Tomography
A computer-guided device creates a 3-D image map of your cornea to measure corneal power, curvature, and thickness.
Corneal Pachymetry
Ultrasound waves measure the thickness of your cornea.
Keratometry
Measures the curvature of your cornea’s front surface to assess astigmatism.
Tear Film Interferometry/Meibography
This non-invasive imaging technology helps your doctor assess the oil (lipid) layer of your tear film, as well as the anatomy and structure of the oil-producing glands in your eyelids. This can help determine the cause of dry eyes.
Optical Coherence Tomography
OCT is a non-contact imaging test that uses light waves to take high-resolution cross-sectional pictures of your cornea. These images can be used to examine changes to the normal layered anatomy of the cornea.
In-Vivo Confocal Microscopy
Allows your doctor to examine the cellular structure of your cornea and to see normal and abnormal cells in the various corneal layers (epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and endothelium) as well as infectious cells such as fungi and amoeba.
When it comes to your care, you want the very best. Duke University Hospital’s ophthalmology program is ranked seventh in the nation and best in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report for 2019–2020.
Why Choose Duke
Advanced Training in Corneal Disease Management
Duke corneal surgeons are board-certified ophthalmologists with advanced training in the medical and surgical management of corneal disease. Our surgical expertise and access to the most technically advanced equipment ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan.
Specialized Care for Infants and Children
For younger patients, our pediatric ophthalmologists are experienced in providing for the unique vision and eye health needs of infants and children.
Noninvasive Diagnostic Imaging Techniques
You’ll have access to noninvasive diagnostic imaging techniques that allow our doctors to look at your corneas and surrounding structures in high resolution. This helps us identify and assess corneal diseases such as ocular surface tumors, corneal infections, and dry eye.
Access to Advanced Dry Eye Treatments
To diagnose the cause of your dry eyes, we use advanced testing and imaging. You’ll also have access to advanced dry-eye treatments, including anti-inflammatory agents, thermal pulsation therapy, autologous serum tears, and scleral contact lenses.
Collagen Cross-linking Treatment for Patients with Keratoconus
If you have keratoconus, you may be a candidate for the first FDA-approved collagen cross-linking treatment, which can stop the condition from progressing and prevent you from needing a corneal transplant.
Latest Corneal Transplant Techniques
If you need corneal transplant surgery, we offer the latest corneal transplant techniques to remove only the diseased portion of your cornea, rather than all the layers of the cornea. This keeps the structural integrity of your eye, allows you to recover faster, and can minimize your risk of rejection.
Artificial Cornea Implants
If you have not had success with standard corneal transplants, you may be a candidate for artificial cornea implants (keratoprosthesis). We are one of the few eye centers in the region with expertise in this procedure.
Patient Support Services
You can also benefit from our patient support services, including educational materials and programs, a low vision rehabilitation program, and a dedicated social worker to help you and your loved ones manage your condition and maximize your quality of life.