Category: Cornea

Dr. Vital, what are the types of corneal transplants?

There are three types of corneal transplants that are most frequently performed:  ALK, DSAEK, and PKP.  During your consultation, I will discuss the options that are most relevant and appropriate for you.  The following are special images taken during surgery to help you understand the differences between these types of keratoplasty. ALK Anterior lamellar keratoplasty… Read More


My Online Clinic: Houston Eye Associates / Dr. Vital

Understanding Our Patient Portal: My Online Clinic My Online Clinic My Online Clinic allows our office to communicate with you securely. The best way to create an account is to respond to the email we send you after an appointment which contains a link that takes you to the patient portal. You can also visit… Read More


What is recurrent erosion syndrome?

Do you have recurrent erosion syndrome of the cornea? Do you get sharp stabbing pains in the eye either in the middle of the night or in the morning when you wake up? Do you wake up in the morning with the sensation that your eyes are so dry that the eyelid is stuck to… Read More


Why do I get repeated or recurring pink eye infections?

Most eye and eyelid infections are not actually classic “pink eye.”  Pink eye is a viral infection with adenovirus.  More often, repeated and recurring “pink eye infections” are caused by Staphylococcal hypersensitivity (Staph hyper.) Staph hyper is very similar to eczema of the skin.  It involves an overgrowth of the normal Staphylococcal bacteria that we… Read More


What is a pinguecula? What is a pterygium?

These photos below show a pinguecula and a pterygium: One of the common abnormalities of the eye is yellowish or red bumps that can occur on the white of the eye in the corners. They can become elevated over time and have a slightly yellowish or red and vascular appearance. These are called pinguecula when… Read More


What is meibomitis and how does it cause dry eye?

Meibomitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a condition that affects the eyelids that is very common.  The meibomian glands secrete oils that make up the lipid layer of the tear film.  The lipid layer helps to hold the tear layer in place on the eye longer thus improving and stabilizing the vision.   MGD… Read More


What if I have Fuchs’ Dystrophy and Cataracts?

Some patients need an ophthalmologist who is both a Fuchs’ specialist and cataract specialist in Houston. If you have cataracts and corneal swelling (edema) from Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy your vision might look like this: Even for the best of cataract surgeons, when cataract surgery is performed, some corneal swelling can result.  If you are a patient that… Read More


Corneal ulcers in Houston: Patients need patience

Corneal ulcers in Houston can be big just like everything else Texas! One of the lessons I learned early on in the treatment of corneal ulcers was the lesson of patience. Most corneal ulcers can take weeks to months to heal.  Corneal transplant surgeries require many months before the full benefits can be appreciated. Depending… Read More


Surgery for a longstanding limbal dermoid

Corneal surgery can be very impactful to vision and appearance! This is a very nice note that I recently received from a grateful patient: Before Surgery After Surgery I’m happy I could help! Sometimes corneal surgery can be performed to help a patient with their outward appearance. It can make a difference in confidence and… Read More


What is a corneal specialist?

What is a corneal specialist? You want to find one of the best corneal specialists in Houston for you. Corneal specialists are physicians who have completed at least four years of college, four years of medical school, one year on intership, three years of ophthalmology residency, and one year of specialty corneal training called fellowship…. Read More