Category: Cornea

Dr. Mark Vital Discusses Fuchs’ Dystrophy

What is Fuchs’ Dystrophy? Fuchs’ Dystrophy is a corneal swelling disorder that blurs vision by impacting the innermost cells of the cornea. In this video from Houston Eye Associates’ Dr. Mark C. Vital, Dr. Vital discusses Fuchs’ Dystrophy, a genetic vision disorder that impacts the inner layer of cells of the cornea resulting in swelling…. Read More


What is the best treatment for corneal swelling after cataract surgery?

The best treatment for corneal swelling after cataract surgery is often DMEK. Corneal swelling after cataract surgery can happen even with an excellent surgeon and uneventful cataract surgery. Removing a cataract causes stress on the innermost cells of the cornea (the endothelium) no matter how careful and fast the surgery was performed. Some patients are… Read More


Fuchs’ Dystrophy and Cataracts: what you need to know

Dr. Mark Vital discusses Fuchs’ Dystrophy and cataracts, and what happens when both are present in the eye at the same time. When this happens, Dr. Vital is able to surgically treat both conditions using cataract surgery and a procedure called DMEK. Learn more by watching the video below:


How do I stop itchy eyes?

Itchy Eyes We all want to stop itchy eyes. Itchy eyes are a hallmark of allergic conjunctivitis. Eye rubbing is that uncontrollable urge that makes your eyes feel better in the short term, but worse in the long term. Rubbing stimulates rubbing. Allergies are your immune system trying to protect you from foreign substances. Immune… Read More


What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a distorted shape of the lens or cornea that contributes to blurred vision.  It is not a disease, it does not cause blindness, and nearly everyone has at least some small amount of astigmatism. For example, take a look at the contact lenses below: The contact on the top is “round” and “spherical”.  This… Read More


Corneal Transplant Great for Keratoconus

You might want to know what an eye looks like before and after corneal transplantation for keratoconus. Keratoconus is a hereditary condition where the cornea gets thinner and steeper. This results in high astigmatism and blurred vision. If you have keratoconus, you have probably heard that you may need a corneal transplant at some time… Read More


Can you explain my eye tests? More than just reading letters.

There are many types of eye tests to detect problems.  Ophthalmologists have to find the problems before we can know what treatments will work best. Cornea Tests Photos:  used to document the appearance, size, and location of eye structures in the front of the eye. Corneal Topography:  used to map the clarity, shape, curves, and… Read More


What is the corneal epithelium?

Epithelium: the “skin of the cornea” The epithelium or “epi” of the cornea is a very thin and delicate layer of cells on the outer surface. It has many functions such as defining the shape of the tear film for good vision, protecting the cornea against infection, and refining the eye’s surface. The epithelium should… Read More


TearCare for dry eyes, styes, and meibomitis (MGD)

I prefer to use TearCare for dry eyes, styes, and meibomitits (MGD). Nearly all of us suffer from dry eyes at some point and lid styes are not uncommon. Most dry eye symptoms and styes are caused by a problem with the oil glands of the eyelids. These are called meibomian glands. We call it… Read More


What is viral pink eye (Adenovirus)?

Viral conjunctivitis is usually due to a virus called adenovirus. The case shown here is an example of the progression of viral pink eye over the course of just 2 weeks. What most people refer to as “pink eye” is really bacterial conjunctivitis which can be treated with antibiotics. Viral conjunctivitis tends to be must… Read More