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Your Corneal Transplant Specialist in Pittsburgh

External & Corneal Diseases

The cornea is the outer part of the eye, a clear dome that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. The conjunctiva is a clear membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye. The front surface of the eye is exposed to the environment and is constantly bathed in tears, making both the cornea and conjunctiva both susceptible to injury and infection.

At Medical & Surgical Eye Associates, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Seth Fox specializes in the cornea and offers comprehensive treatment for all types of corneal and external eye diseases, both surgical and nonsurgical. He even specializes in corneal transplantation, one of the most complex and delicate eye surgeries. 

Our team offers the latest in diagnostic testing and treatment techniques, and our goal is always to help you restore and maintain healthy vision. Whether you are suffering from a scratched cornea, an infection, or another external eye condition, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. 

Ready to find relief from your eye condition? Schedule your appointment with the best ophthalmologists Pittsburgh has to offer today.

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Corneal Transplants, Pterygium Excision & More

Treatments for External & Corneal Diseases

At Medical & Surgical Eye Associates, we offer a number of treatment options for corneal and external eye diseases, including:

  • Pterygium excision: A pterygium is a growth of tissue on the surface of the eye, usually on the white part (sclera). If this growth interferes with your vision, we can excise it (remove it surgically).
  • Corneal transplants: Dr. Seth Fox performs three types of corneal transplants. These are known as DMEK (Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty), DSAEK (Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty), and PK (penetrating keratoplasty). Dr. Fox will determine which type of transplant is best for you based on the severity of your condition. 

Learn more about corneal transplants with Dr. Fox here.

We also offer a leading-edge therapy called amniotic membrane transplantation. Amniotic membrane transplantation is a type of corneal transplant in which a thin layer of amniotic tissue is placed over the damaged cornea to help promote healing. This procedure can be used to treat a number of conditions, including: 

  • Corneal ulcers
  • Severe dry eye
  • Corneal scars
  • Recurrent corneal erosions

This procedure is often used when other treatment options have failed and is especially beneficial for patients who are not good candidates for traditional corneal transplant surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most common corneal eye conditions?

Some of the most common corneal eye conditions include: 

  • Corneal ulcers: A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the surface of the eye. It is usually caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by viruses or fungi.
  • Corneal dystrophy: Corneal dystrophy is a group of hereditary conditions that cause the cornea to become thin and translucent. It can lead to vision loss.
  • Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes cone-shaped, causing blurred vision.
  • Fuch's dystrophy: Fuch's dystrophy is a slowly progressive form of corneal dystrophy that affects the innermost layer of the cornea.

What are some of the symptoms of corneal eye disease?

Symptoms of corneal eye disease can vary depending on the specific condition, but some common symptoms include: 

  • Eye pain
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision
  • Objects appearing distorted

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see an eye doctor right away.

Do you accept insurance for cornea surgery?

Yes! Medical & Surgical Eye Associates is proud to accept insurance from providers across the Western Pennsylvania region in order to keep our care as accessible as possible. Visit our Insurance page to view our list of providers, and reach out to us with any questions you have about your coverage.

How do I get started?

At Medical & Surgical Eye Associates, we’ve made our appointment scheduling process as simple and user-friendly as possible. Just use our online scheduling tool to request an appointment at a time that works for you.