How to Know If You Need a Cornea Specialist

Have you ever visited a cornea specialist before? Do you know what conditions they treat or why you might need to see one? Don’t worry if you don’t, most eye patients wouldn’t either. However, that is a big reason why the team at OCLI Vision works to educate people about eye care professionals. We want to ensure that you get access to the right professional in the right amount of time, especially when your eye health is on the line!

A cornea specialist is responsible for the treatment of the cornea, which is the protective layer at the front of your eye. It keeps foreign matter out of your eye and helps you see clearly. And, while we all suffer from some eye discomfort every now and then, such as dry eyes from looking at screens for too long or scratchy, watery eyes from seasonal allergies, chronic or worsening symptoms require expert care. To prevent permanent damage to your eye, reach out to a cornea specialist when you need one.

In this blog, we will outline what a cornea specialist does, the symptoms that require professional attention, and how specialized treatment can prevent long-term vision damage.

What Is a Cornea Specialist?

A corneal specialist is an ophthalmologist that has undergone additional training specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the cornea. Since a cornea specialist is an ophthalmologist, they will have completed medical school and an ophthalmology residency. Following that, a cornea specialist will also complete a cornea fellowship which often lasts for one or two years where they learn specific treatments and procedures for corneal diseases. A corneal specialist can treat a variety of corneal diseases and conditions, including corneal ulcers, keratoconus, keratitis, corneal dystrophy, injuries to the cornea, dry eyes, infections, and more.

To treat corneal conditions, a corneal specialist may employ a variety of methods, such as:

• Corneal transplants
• Collagen cross-linking
• LASIK
• PRK (Photorefractory Keratectomy)
• Ocular surface reconstruction
• Cataract surgery

If you think you need a cornea specialist, simply visit the OCLI Vision website and choose a clinic nearest you to book a consultation. Our cornea specialists are some of the best in the nation, and they would be delighted to treat you.

What Is the Difference Between an Ophthalmologist and a Cornea Specialist?

As mentioned previously, a cornea specialist is an ophthalmologist, however, that does not mean that every ophthalmologist is a cornea specialist. In order to get the care you need quickly, it can be helpful to understand when you need to see one vs the other. A lot of ophthalmologists will subspecialize to ensure the most targeted and effective treatment for their patients. When you receive treatment from a cornea specialist, they may use some of the following diagnostic tools listed below. If you visit with an ophthalmologist, they may also use similar tools, depending on your reason for visiting.

• Corneal topographer – This tool delivers data about the cornea, including its shape and curvature by creating a map. It can help specialists determine if certain diseases or issues are present in the cornea.
• Slit lamp – The slit lamp is a microscope with a light source attached which allows the corneal specialist to get a comprehensive view of the eye.
• Pachymeters – The ultrasonic pachymeter is used to measure the thickness of the cornea.
• Corneal specular microscope – This microscope magnifies the innermost layer of the cornea by reflecting light and magnifying the images.

Signs You May Need to See a Cornea Specialist

While an ophthalmologist is a skilled eye doctor, seeing a cornea specialist is necessary in certain situations to prevent lasting damage to your cornea. The following corneal symptoms may indicate a chronic or worsening corneal condition:

• Persistent eye pain or discomfort
  • Blurry or distorted vision
  • Frequent infections or eye redness
  • Light sensitivity (photophobia)
  • History of eye trauma or surgery
  • Diagnosis of a specific corneal condition

If any of those sound (or feel) familiar, call OCLI Vision and we will connect you to a cornea specialist.

Additionally, if you are experiencing chronic dry eyes, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a cornea specialist. Chronic dry eyes can be an incredibly stressful and unsettling experience, especially if it feels like there is something stuck in your eye or your eyes are continuously watering. Unfortunately, chronic dry eyes can cause abrasions, inflammation, infections, and other problems with the cornea. As such, it is vital to get care for corneal damage as soon as possible.

It is much better to err on the side of caution if you have been experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Scratchy eyes
• Blurry vision that does not clear upon blinking
• Burning or stinging
• Excessive tears or watery eyes
• Redness

Additional Times Visiting an Ophthalmologist May Be Needed

As we age, our risk for developing chronic eye conditions rises. Among the most detrimental conditions are glaucoma, which usually does not present any signs early on, macular degeneration which can lead to blindness, and diabetic retinopathy. Luckily, when you schedule regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist, you will be able to catch any early stage problems before they become more severe and threaten your eyesight.

When accidents or eye trauma happen, it may be necessary to visit an ophthalmologist to evaluate the damage to your eye and provide treatment if necessary. If you are bleeding or have a severe injury, make sure to visit the emergency room first or call 911 for proper emergency care. After that, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist for further testing or treatment.

It is also necessary to visit an ophthalmologist if your eyes are displaying any signs of infection, such as pussing, itching, redness, or crusting. With any eye injury, infection, accident, or chronic condition, it is best to reach out to our team for advice if you are questioning if you need to see an ophthalmologist or not. We’d be delighted to point you in the right direction.

Why Regular Eye Exams are important

Wellness should include the whole body, which is why regular eye exams are vital to your overall health. When you visit an OCLI Vision office for comprehensive eye exams, we can catch early signs of corneal degeneration. We will use a variety of tools, including corneal topography, pachymetry, and other diagnostic tools to evaluate the health of your cornea and treat any issues that may arise. When we catch problems early, it will help to preserve vision health and minimize the need for invasive procedures. Give us a call and we can help you determine whether an ophthalmologist or optometrist is better suited for your eye exam.

When to Book an Appointment with OCLI Vision

The cornea specialists at OCLI Vision are some of the best in the nation, and they are available today! We believe in using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and take a patient-first approach to care, no matter which specialist you visit. Schedule an appointment today. We will see you soon!

Back to our blog