Cornea Center – Eye Associates of Lancaster, Ltd.

Our Cornea Specialists are performing the most advanced cornea transplants and surgery available today. We specialize in treating Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy, corneal swelling, complications after cataract surgery, Band Keratopathy, Corneal Infections, Keratoconus, Contact Lens Related Complications, and many other conditions of the cornea and anterior segment.

Corneal Abrasions and Erosion

An injury to the epithelium, or the outermost layer of the cornea. Common symptoms include the feeling of having something in your eye, pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and tearing.

We are able to treat these symptoms with eyedrops or ointment, as well as a special contact lens that reduces pain and encourages healing.

Fuchs’ Dystrophy

A disease of the cornea in which the cells in the endothelium gradually die off. When they die, fluid builds up and the cornea gets swollen and puffy. In the early stages, the symptoms are blurry vision when you first wake up. In the later stages symptoms may include a sandy or gritty feeling in eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurry or hazy vision.

We treat these symptoms with eyedrops or ointment, and in extreme cases, cornea transplant.

Pterygium and Pinguecula

These are growths on the cornea and conjunctiva. A Pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva that extends over the cornea. This growth may remain small or grow large enough to interfere with vision. A pinguecula is a yellow patch or bump on the conjunctiva, often on the side closest to the nose.
Symptoms include redness and inflammation, blurred vision, dryness, itching, burning, gritty feeling or feeling like something is in your eye.

We can treat these issues with eyedrops and ointment, and in the most extreme cases, they can be surgically removed.

Cornea Transplant

In extreme cases, we may decide that a transplant is the best option. Using the most advanced techniques we are able to replace cloudy, scarred, and damaged corneas with crystal-clear new corneas.

There are different kinds of cornea transplants that your surgeon will decide on which procedure is best for your diagnosis.

Full thickness corneal transplant, or Penetrating Keratoplastry (PK). This is when your entire cornea needs to be replaces. The damaged cornea is removed, and then a clear donor cornea is sewn into place.

Patrial thickness corneal transplant, or Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK). This is when just the front and middle layers of the cornea are damaged. This is commonly used to treat keratoconus or bulging of the cornea.

Endothelial Keratoplasty can be treated with two types of surgery. Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

These surgeries remove damaged cells from the inner layer of the cornea. A small incision is made and the damaged layer is removed. Then the new tissue is put in place.

1254 Lititz Pike, Lancaster: Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm

606 Community Way, Lancaster: Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm

Ephrata Office: By appointment only

Phone: (717) 397-4724

Fax: (717) 397-6687

Text: (717) 734-5802