Cornea Specialist
in Buffalo, NY

What Is Corneal Disease?

The cornea is the clear outer layer of the front of the eye. It plays a critical role in the process of vision, responsible for the precise refraction light into the eye. At Buffalo Ophthalmology, we’re trusted by patients in Buffalo and throughout Western New York to handle some of the most complex cases having to do with the health and function of the cornea.

Because the cornea acts a protective cover for the iris and anterior chamber of the eye, it’s especially susceptible to certain injuries and conditions:

Corneal Dystrophies: The most common corneal dystrophies, Fuchs Dystrophy and Epithelial/Endothelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy cause corneal tissue to weaken or develop abnormally, resulting in gradually worsening vision.
Degenerative Diseases: Keratoconus and Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD) cause the cornea to thin and bulge in the center and peripheral regions, respectively.
Corneal Trauma: The cornea is also susceptible to injuries such as lesions, abrasions, scratches, infections, and keratitis (corneal infection). These are often the result of physical injuries or accidents, but may also be caused by diseases, eye surgery, and congenital conditions

The cornea is the clear outer layer of the front of the eye. It plays a critical role in the process of vision, responsible for the precise refraction light into the eye. At Buffalo Ophthalmology, we’re trusted by patients in Buffalo and throughout Western New York to handle some of the most complex cases having to do with the health and function of the cornea.

Because the cornea acts a protective cover for the iris and anterior chamber of the eye, it’s especially susceptible to certain injuries and conditions:

Corneal Dystrophies: The most common corneal dystrophies, Fuchs Dystrophy and Epithelial/Endothelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy cause corneal tissue to weaken or develop abnormally, resulting in gradually worsening vision.
Degenerative Diseases: Keratoconus and Pellucid Marginal Degeneration (PMD) cause the cornea to thin and bulge in the center and peripheral regions, respectively.
Corneal Trauma: The cornea is also susceptible to injuries such as lesions, abrasions, scratches, infections, and keratitis (corneal infection). These are often the result of physical injuries or accidents, but may also be caused by diseases, eye surgery, and congenital conditions

Buffalo’s Premier Cornea Specialist

Conditions of the cornea and anterior segment — the “front of the eye” — are unique in that they can cause vision loss in so many different ways. As such, different treatments are recommended in different cases, based on the severity and underlying causes in a specific situation.

This highlights the need for a corneal specialist to manage your case, no matter how mild or severe it is. At Buffalo Ophthalmology, our team of physicians is uniquely trained and experienced in the management of all conditions affecting the cornea.

Because of the complexity and variety of corneal disease and injury, your relationship with your corneal specialist is critical to receiving the best care. Our doctors aren’t just experts in their fields — they’re committed to creating the best experience possible for our patients.

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Asha Kumar M.D.

For over 30 years, Dr. Asha Kumar has been the premier transplant surgeon in Western New York and one of the only corneal specialists in the region. Dr. Kumar is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and trained by Dr. James Aquavella, M.D., the country’s first fellowship trained corneal specialist and still one of the foremost physicians in the field.

Dr. Kumar is known for compassionate personality and commitment to making her patients as comfortable as possible by educating them on every important detail of their case.

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How Buffalo Ophthalmology Approaches Corneal Disease Treatment

Whether you were referred here by your optometrist or primary care doctor, or are coming to us first, Dr. Kumar and her team will take a comprehensive look at your eyes to get an understanding of all the factors in your case.

Since corneal issues can vary so widely, a well-equipped corneal specialist needs to have access to a wide range of treatment options, ranging from non-invasive methods of managing disease to the latest and most advanced corneal transplant methods. We’ll use the most advanced diagnostic and imaging technology to gather information about your condition, and build a treatment plan unique to your needs.

Corneal Disease Treatment in Buffalo, NY

Glaucoma treatment varies based on the condition at hand. For injuries and infections to the ocular surface, treatment is aimed at promoting healing. For dystrophies and degenerative corneal diseases, treatment is aimed at restoring the corneal surface to a level where it’s free of obstructions and able to provide clear, comfortable vision.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For minor injuries, abrasions, and infections, corneal conditions may be successfully treated using topical medications and antibiotic eye drops to ensure that any damage to the cornea is able to heal completely and as efficiently as possible.

Ocular surface conditions like dry eye also affect the cornea — milder cases can be treated using a variety of different approaches, eye drops, artificial tears, Omega-3 supplements, and in-office treatments as needed.

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Cornea Transplant

Keratoplasty, also known as a “corneal transplant” or “corneal graft”, is used to treat dystrophies, keratoconus, degenerative conditions, and severe corneal injuries. We can perform both full and partial keratoplasty, depending on the needs of a specific case.

Dr. Kumar also performs Descemet’s Stripping with Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK), a new and advanced method of corneal transplant that’s less invasive and results in a smoother corneal surface, leading to a shorter recovery time and clearer post-operative vision.

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Amniotic Membranes

If a corneal scratch, ulcer, abscess, or other injury is too severe for topical medication or eye drops, amniotic membranes may be used to promote healing. These are discs of human tissue that are placed over a corneal injury, strengthening the area and acting as a natural bandage or graft. Amniotic membranes are sometimes used when severe dry eye causes damage to the corneal surface.

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Case-by-Case Treatment

A major advantage of having access to the top corneal specialists in the industry is that they provide a wide variety of different treatment options for a range of different cases. Other treatments we may recommend for corneal conditions include: