Cornea and External Disease

University Ophthalmology Associates has expert ophthalmologists trained to diagnose and treat corneal diseases and external eye diseases of all kinds in Chicago, IL. We also have clinics in Skokie, Libertyville, and Oak Brook, IL.

What is the cornea?:

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It acts like a window, allowing light to enter and helping to focus it onto the retina for sharp vision.

As one of the eye’s most important structures, the cornea plays a vital role in how we see and also serves as a protective barrier against dirt, germs, and other harmful particles. Healthy corneal function is essential for maintaining clear, comfortable vision.

University Ophthalmology Associates has expert ophthalmologists who can diagnose eye diseases and corneal problems, including the following.

Corneal dystrophies

Often a progressive, genetic eye disorder, corneal dystrophies are abnormal accumulations of material in the cornea. While these may not present immediate symptoms, many corneal dystrophies lead to vision impairment due to a reduction in the cornea’s transparency, including blurry vision or overall vision loss. University Ophthalmology Associates treat Skokie corneal dystrophies with a variety of methods, including eye drops, lasers, or corneal transplants.

Corneal ulcers

Corneal ulcers, which can be characterized as bacterial ulcers, fungal infections, or keratitis, need to be treated with urgent care to prevent rapid loss of vision. A corneal ulcer can be often be visible, featuring a swollen appearance and fluid discharge, and may be accompanied by discomfort that can feel like the presence of a foreign object in the eye or a pain similar to that of a toothache. Our ophthalmologists are available and experienced at treating corneal ulcers of all kinds and severity.

Keratoconus

A progressive eye disease, keratoconus occurs when the cornea transforms from a round shape to a cone shape, causing vision distortion as light entering the eye is deflected. This condition can lead to nearsightedness, astigmatism, and light sensitivity. University Ophthalmology Associates can screen for and treat keratoconus through eyeglasses, specialized contact lenses, corneal cross-linking procedures or corneal transplants. 

Dry eye syndrome

As the name suggests, dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition that often leaves one with frequent dry eyes. The cause of dry eye is often multifactorial and can include decreased tear production, increased tear evaporation, or can be associated with other ocular diseases.  This can lead to irritation, blurred vision and damage to the surface of the eye.  A wide variety of therapeutic options are available that range from over the counter drops and treatments to prescription drops and in-office procedures.  Our eye care specialists will prescribe a treatment regimen that is tailored to the needs of the individual and provide ongoing care for this chronic condition.  

Conjunctival tumors

Tumors that grow on the surface of the eye can be malignant or benign. While most conjunctival tumors don’t have symptoms outside of their outward appearance, the board-certified medical practitioners at University Ophthalmology Associates can get these tumors identified and treated with urgency and care.

Available Treatments and Procedures

The University Ophthalmology Associates have decades of experience treating corneal diseases and external diseases of all kinds. Trusted for over 100 years, our dedicated team of fellowship-trained corneal specialists treat common and rare corneal disorders with the latest and most innovative medical and surgical interventions.

Corneal transplants

Also known as keratoplasty, a corneal transplant replaces a portion of your cornea with a donor’s corneal tissue. Often performed for patients experiencing vision problems due to a scarred, thinned, or cloudy cornea, the donor cornea is transplanted into your cornea to restore vision and reduce pain. 

The University Ophthalmology Associates perform keratoplasty procedures of all kinds, including:

Penetrating keratoplasty

In this method, a piece of your cornea is removed, and a portion of the donor cornea is sewn into your cornea’s opening.

Lamellar keratoplasty / Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)

An option that includes fewer complications and a faster recovery time, only the diseased outer layers of the cornea are replaced instead of all of the cornea’s layers. 

Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) or Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)

Considered the gold standard for endothelial corneal disease treatment, this method involves a small incision that only replaces the diseased inner layer of the cornea.

Boston Keratoprosthesis

When keratoplasty methods fail or are not possible, the Boston Keratoprosthesis replaces a cornea with an artificial cornea.

Limbal stem cell transplants

Using stem cells from a healthy donor eye, a Limbal stem cell transplant replaces damaged stem cells on the surface of the eye that are necessary to keep the ocular surface smooth and clear.  

Pterygium excision

Also known as a surfer’s eye, pterygium leads to the growth of fleshy pink tissue on the whites of an eye that can grow onto the clear central cornea, affecting vision. This condition often affects people who spend lots of time outdoors. The University Ophthalmology Associates are experienced at performing pterygium surgery to remove the growth and restore the eye’s normal appearance and improve vision.

Complex cataracts

University Ophthalmology Associates are experienced in carrying out complex cataract surgeries. For patients who have existing trauma or eye conditions like Uveitis, corneal astigmatism, corneal transplants, or refractive surgery, our experienced ophthalmologists perform these highly technical and complex procedures.

Intraocular lens repositioning or exchange

While most cataract surgeries are highly successful, there can be situations in which lenses can become malpositioned or dislocated.  There are also instances in which a lens may not be working well after cataract surgery.  These cases require specialized procedures in which a lens may need to be repositioned or exchanged. Our highly trained ophthalmologists are skilled at performing these intricate procedures.