Cornea Care in Durango, CO
The board-certified ophthalmologists at Southwest Eye Consultants specialize in cornea care for patients throughout the Four Corners region of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
The cornea is the clear, translucent tissue at the front of the eye. It acts as the eye’s outermost lens and helps to shield the rest of the eye from germs, dust, and other harmful matter.
There are a variety of corneal diseases that require the specialized care of an ophthalmologist, ranging from bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic diseases to those caused by trauma, dystrophies, autoimmune disorders, or nutritional deficiencies. Among the common cornea-related conditions that we treat are:
- Corneal abrasion is a common eye injury that occurs when a foreign body scratches or injures the surface of the cornea, such as dirt, dust, chemicals, or even poorly fitting contact lenses. Mild abrasions typically heal within a few days, but penetrating injuries, embedded foreign bodies, and chemical exposures require immediate medical attention.
- Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that causes the cornea to gradually become cone shaped. Patients with keratoconus often have a high degree of astigmatism and frequently need to change their glasses prescription or wear a rigid contact lens for better vision.
- Pterygium is a benign growth of the conjunctiva that can cause irritation and lead to poor vision. If a pterygium causes discomfort or distorts vision by inducing astigmatism, it can be surgically removed.
- Corneal Edema/Fuchs Dystrophy is an inherited condition in which the cells lining the inside of the cornea (the endothelium) slowly deteriorate, leading to corneal swelling (edema) and blurred or fluctuating vision. A procedure called DSAEK can replace the diseased layers of the cornea to restore clarity and significantly improve vision.
Using state-of-the-art corneal eye technology, the highly skilled surgeons at Southwest Eye Consultants offer a wide range of treatment options for corneal disease or damage including:
- Laser surgery (phototherapeutic keratectomy or PTK)
- Corneal transplants (DSAEK and DMEK)
- Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL)
- Corneal implants
- Dry cornea treatment
- Corneal abrasion treatment
- Cloudy corneal treatment
Contact Us for Comprehensive Cornea Care Services in Durango & Cortez, CO and Farmington, NM
To learn more about our comprehensive cornea care services, contact Southwest Eye Consultants by calling (970) 828-2200 and scheduling a consultation or evaluation. You can also request an appointment using our online form and we will promptly contact you.
