Proving The Bay Area With

Advanced Corneal Disease Management

Request Appointment Call Us: 408-884-2215

The cornea plays a vital role in your ability to see clearly. As the outermost layer of the eye, it protects your eye from dirt, germs, and harmful elements while focusing light onto the retina to create sharp vision. We specialize in advanced corneal disease management, offering personalized care to restore and protect your vision.

Meet The Team

Dr. Jeanie Paik, MD

Dr. Robert Mastman, MD

Dr. James Liu, MD

OUR SERVICES

Advanced Corneal Disease Management

Advanced Glaucoma Management

Dry Eye Treatment

LASIK

Common Eye Conditions

Corneal Care in The Bay Area

Our clinics and surgical centers across the Bay Area provide expert corneal care, combining advanced technology with expertise to deliver exceptional outcomes.

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An ophthalmologist is carefully conducting a comprehensive eye examination on a patient to assess

Symptoms of Corneal Diseases

When the cornea is damaged or diseased, it can lead to discomfort, vision issues, and even permanent damage if left untreated. Symptoms can vary and may resemble those of other eye conditions. Common signs to watch for include:

Blurred or distorted vision.
Eye redness, irritation, or discomfort.
Sensitivity to light.
Excessive tearing or dryness.
Foreign body sensation in the eye.
Visible growths or cloudiness on the cornea.
Frequent eye infections or inflammation.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional care to prevent further complications.

Common Corneal Diseases

The cornea can be affected by several conditions, each requiring specialized care. Some of the most common corneal diseases include:

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea, normally dome-shaped, thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.

While the exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, it is often associated with genetic factors, eye rubbing, or certain medical conditions like allergies or connective tissue disorders.

Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of the tears is insufficient, leading to irritation and blurred vision.

Aging, hormonal changes, environmental factors, medications, or underlying health conditions like autoimmune diseases can cause this condition. Excessive screen time or contact lens wear can also contribute.

Fuchs’ Dystrophy

Fuchs’ dystrophy is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea, specifically its innermost layer, called the endothelium. The endothelium plays a critical role in keeping the cornea clear by pumping out excess fluid.

In Fuchs’ dystrophy, these endothelial cells gradually deteriorate and die off, leading to fluid buildup (edema) in the cornea. This causes the cornea to swell, thicken, and develop cloudy or hazy vision.

Pterygium

Pterygium, also known as "surfer’s eye," is a non-cancerous growth of fleshy tissue that develops on the surface of the cornea. While often harmless, it can grow large enough to interfere with vision or cause irritation.

Prolonged exposure to UV light, wind, dust, or other environmental irritants increases the risk of developing pterygium. It is more common in individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors without eye protection.

Corneal Scarring and Infections

Corneal scarring occurs when injuries, infections, or severe inflammation damage the cornea, leading to cloudiness and vision impairment. Infections, such as corneal ulcers, can also cause scarring if untreated.

Corneal scarring and infections can result from:

Eye injuries or trauma.
Contact lens misuse or poor hygiene.
Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex).
Severe dry eye disease or inflammatory conditions.

female eye diagnosed with keratoconus corneal thinning.

Corneal Treatments & Management

Spectrum Eye Physicians’ corneal specialists are dedicated to restoring and protecting your corneal health. Using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology, we provide a comprehensive range of treatments tailored to your needs. With expertise in minimally invasive procedures, custom-fit solutions, and cutting-edge surgical techniques, our specialists are here to ensure the best outcomes for your vision and eye health.

Corneal Cross-Linking

Corneal cross-linking is a procedure used to strengthen the cornea. It creates new chemical bonds between collagen fibers in the cornea, increasing its rigidity and structural integrity. This treatment is especially effective for conditions that weaken the cornea, such as keratoconus or corneal ectasia (a condition that can occur after LASIK surgery).

Scleral Lenses

These specialized contact lenses create a smooth optical surface, providing clear and comfortable vision by vaulting over the cornea and resting on the sclera (the white part of the eye). They are ideal for irregular corneas or severe dryness.

Amniotic Membrane Therapy

Amniotic membrane therapy is an advanced treatment that uses a layer of amniotic tissue, typically obtained from donated placenta, to aid in the healing of the eye’s surface. This tissue has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties.

The amniotic membrane is applied to the surface of the eye, either as a temporary graft or as a protective barrier, to promote regeneration and reduce irritation. It promotes healing in conditions such as severe dry eye, corneal ulcers, chemical or thermal burns, and persistent epithelial defects.

Surgical Removal of Abnormal Growths

For abnormal tissue on the cornea, such as pterygium, surgical removal restores the cornea’s clarity and improves overall comfort.

DSAEK (Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty)

DSAEK is a partial-thickness corneal transplant procedure that replaces only the innermost layer of the cornea, known as the endothelium, along with a thin layer of supporting tissue. This procedure is typically used to treat endothelial dysfunction, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy or corneal edema.

DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty)

DMEK is an even more refined version of endothelial keratoplasty that replaces only the Descemet’s membrane and the endothelial cells without additional supporting tissue. It is considered the most precise and effective option for treating conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy.

Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP)

Penetrating keratoplasty, also known as a full-thickness corneal transplant, replaces the entire cornea with a donor cornea. This procedure is used for severe corneal damage or disease that affects multiple layers of the cornea, such as advanced keratoconus, corneal scarring, or severe infections.

Were you referred to us?

Our team can help with a wide range of eye disease management services, offering expert care tailored to your needs.

How We Can Help

Insurance & Financing

We offer insurance and financing options to make taking care of your eye health accessible and stress-free.

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Why Trust Us for

Corneal Disease Management

At Spectrum Eye Physicians, we use the latest technology and innovative techniques to deliver exceptional care and achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Combined with our advanced expertise and compassionate approach, we ensure you receive personalized, quality care for your corneal health.

Specialized Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating complex corneal conditions.
State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to ensure precision and effectiveness.
Personalized Care: We tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs, ensuring the best possible results.
Comprehensive Services: From advanced diagnostics to innovative surgical solutions, we provide all the care you need in one place.

Close up photo of smiling senior male patient during sight examination

Schedule an Appointment

Here to Support You

Whether you were referred to us or have concerns about your vision, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment to receive care tailored to your needs. Your eye health is our priority—let’s protect your vision together!

Request Appointment Call Us: 408-884-2215