Why Choose a Corneal Specialist?
When it comes to your eyes, selecting an ophthalmologist with specialized training on your particular vision concerns is important. Ophthalmology is a complex medical field with 10 subspecialties. Each of these subspecialties requires additional education and training to become a fellow. To become a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist, he/she first must complete four years of specialized training in an accredited residency program, that’s after medical school before they are eligible to undergo a rigorous examination to become certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Next, the ophthalmologist can select a subspecialty and undergo an additional year of specialized training. Cornea, external disease and refractive surgery are some of these subspecialties. At Ginsberg Eye, Dr. Barrett Ross Ginsberg has undergone extensive training, which includes a fellowship focused on the management of corneal diseases, corneal surgery and advanced laser surgery procedures such as LASIK.
More About the Cornea
The cornea is the clear window of the eye. It is composed of five layers that work to maintain transparency, shape, and thickness to allow it to properly focus light as it enters the eye. A healthy cornea is an essential part of our vision health. The cornea sits at the front of the eye and handles more than half of our visual focusing capability.
Common Corneal Problems
Scratched Cornea – Minor scratches to the cornea generally heal on their own over time, however, they can cause many symptoms including blurry vision, light sensitivity, itching and discomfort, redness, headache or nausea. It is best to see a corneal specialist if experiencing prolonged symptoms.
Dry Eyes – Dry eyes are caused by a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Dry eye is a very common eye disorder and lack of treatment can lead to damage to the cornea. Seeing a corneal specialist will determine the best treatment option for dry eye based on your particular needs.
Keratitis – This is an inflammation of the cornea and is often caused by a minor injury or wearing contact lenses too long. Its symptoms include pain, eye irritation, blurred vision, eye sensitivity, and discharge. It is important to see a corneal specialist if these symptoms occur as anti-bacterial eye drops may be necessary to stop any infection as well as reduce the risk of damage to the cornea and impairment of vision.
Uveitis – This is an inflammation of the eye’s uvea (the middle layer of tissue in the eyewall) and is often caused by trauma, virus or bacterial infection. Proper diagnosis of uveitis is crucial to preserving vision. Warning signs often times come quickly and include eye redness, pain, and impaired vision.
Corneal Dystrophies
Corneal dystrophies affect vision in different ways. Some may experience vision loss, while others may not. These visual disorders are generally inherited and tend to affect both eyes and progress gradually.
Keratoconus – This is a condition that affects approximately one out of every 2000 Americans. It is the progressive thinning of the middle of the cornea, which causes it to bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This abnormal curvature can cause double vision, blurred vision, nearsightedness, astigmatism and sensitivity to light.
Fuchs’ Dystrophy – This is a slowly progressing eye disease caused by the deterioration of cells in the corneal endothelium which causes swelling in the cornea. Fuchs’ dystrophy symptoms generally affect both eyes and can include glare, blurred vision, distorted vision, blisters on the surface of the eye, and a cloudy/hazy appearing cornea.
If you feel you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is important to contact an experienced corneal specialist for a comprehensive exam.
Why Select a Corneal Specialist for LASIK?
For those seeking clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses, LASIK surgery is likely to be a vision correction option you may research, but LASIK is not the only option and is not suitable for everyone. When considering vision correction, educating yourself about the procedure, the technology used as well as LASIK surgeons are very important. When selecting a surgeon that has undergone fellowship training in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery, you are selecting someone who has advanced expertise in creating the corneal flap, the first step in LASIK laser vision correction. This important part of LASIK laser vision correction plays a vital role in the success of the procedure and proper healing. Dr. Barrett Ross Ginsberg has undergone this additional advanced training and has performed thousands of successful LASIK laser vision procedures. For those that LASIK is not the best vision correction option, he provides alternatives such as PRK, ICL (implantable contact lenses) and clear lens exchange. A comprehensive examination with Dr. Ginsberg and his specialized team will review all your vision correction options and determine the best procedure for your specific needs and outcome expectations.
Wondering if you should see a corneal specialist? Schedule an appointment with Ginsberg Eye in Naples, FL today!
