Cornea Services

Expert corneal transplants (DALK, DSEK, DMEK), keratoconus management, and specialty contact lenses.
Years of Experience
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Successful Surgeries
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Minute Procedure
10- 10

Cornea & External Eye Care

Know what you’re dealing with and how modern surgery can restore your vision

Cornea Services

The cornea is one of the most vital structures of the human eye — the transparent, dome-shaped “front window” that lets light enter and allows you to see clearly. When the cornea becomes cloudy, infected, injured, or structurally weak, vision is affected immediately. At Nirmal’s Eye Hospital, Tambaram, our Cornea & External Eye Care Department offers complete, specialized care for all corneal disorders, from simple infections to complex transplant procedures.

What is Cornea?

The cornea is the eye’s clear, dome-shaped front surface responsible for most of its focusing power. It bends incoming light precisely onto the retina, enabling sharp, detailed vision. Because it is directly exposed, it is easily affected by infections, injuries, allergies, and degenerative conditions. When damaged, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and vision loss. Maintaining corneal health ensures clear sight and prevents serious long-term complications.

Modern Keratoplasty Replace Only What’s Diseased

We offer multiple surgical options tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle

DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty)

Selective Front-Layer Corneal Transplant

This advanced procedure replaces only the diseased front layers of the cornea while fully preserving the healthy endothelium. By keeping the innermost layer intact, DALK offers stronger healing, long-term stability:

  • Stronger Structural healing
  • Extremely low risk of rejection
  • Clear version with smooth Corneal surface
  • High safety profile with predictable results
  • Back to normal activities within days

DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty)

Micro-Incision Endothelial Replacement

DSEK selectively replaces only the damaged endothelial layer through a very small incision. This minimally invasive approach allows rapid healing, improved stability:

  • Small incision with less tissue disruption
  • Quick visual and functional recovery
  • Strong corneal stability post-surgery
  • Less inflammation, more comfort
  • Effective results for endothelium

DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty)

Ultra-Thin, Bladeless Precision Transplant

DMEK is the most advanced form of endothelial keratoplasty, using an ultra-thin graft that mimics natural anatomy. This technique offers the sharpest visual results, the lowest rejection rates:

  • Sharpest and most natural visual outcomes
  • Lowest graft rejection rates
  • Fastest healing among all keratoplasty types
  • Ultra-thin graft for crystal-clear clarity
  • Precise results, minimal handling

Our Cornea Services

Choose the lens that matches your lifestyle and vision goals

Your Choice of Lens Matters

After cataract removal, we implant an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore your vision. While standard lenses provide excellent distance vision, premium lenses can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses for multiple distances. Your surgeon will help you choose the best option based on your lifestyle, visual needs, and eye health.

Management of Corneal Infections

Targeted Medical & Surgical Care

We diagnose and treat corneal infections early using precise antimicrobial therapies and protective procedures to prevent scarring, relieve symptoms, and preserve long-term vision.

Keratoconus Diagnosis

Advanced Screening + Customized Solutions

We identify keratoconus early through advanced imaging and provide personalized treatments like CXL, specialty lenses, and surgical options to stabilize and improve vision.

Specialty Contact Lenses

Tailored Lenses for Irregular Corneas

We offer specialized lenses designed for irregular corneas, providing superior clarity, comfort, and stability for conditions like keratoconus, high astigmatism, and post-surgical distortion.

Sutureless Pterygium Surgery

Reduced Irritation + Quick Recovery

We perform minimally invasive pterygium removal using a sutureless graft technique that promotes faster healing, lowers recurrence, and improves both comfort and cosmetic appearance.

Ocular Surface Disease Manage

Comprehensive Dry Eye Solutions

We diagnose and treat ocular surface diseases using advanced tests and personalized therapies that restore tear balance, relieve irritation, and improve everyday visual comfort effectively.

Your Journey to Comfortable, Clearer Vision

What to expect from consultation to recovery

Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment

We start with a detailed check of your cornea and eye surface using imaging and tear film testing, and review your current symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history to guide care.

 
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Step 2: Concise Diagnosis & Education

We clearly explain what’s affecting your eye comfort or vision, helping you understand your condition, treatment options, and expected results, so you feel informed, confident, and involved in your care decisions.

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Step 3: Tailored Treatment Plan

Your personalized care plan focuses on your unique needs, which may include dry eye treatments, corneal disease management, optimized contact lenses, or targeted medications to reduce inflammation, improve comfort, and protect vision.

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Step 4: Advanced Procedures

When needed, we provide advanced corneal treatments, including cross-linking, pterygium removal, keratoconus management, and ocular surface reconstruction, to restore clarity, protect eye health, and support long-term visual stability.

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Post-Care Instructions for Cornea Health

Your recovery is just as important as the surgery itself

DO These Things

  • Use prescribed eye drops exactly as instructed
  • Wear protective glasses when going outdoors
  • Wash hands thoroughly before touching your eyes
  • Blink regularly and practice eyelid hygiene
  • Stay well-hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
  • Attend all follow-up appointments
  • Rest your eyes periodically to avoid strain

DON’T These Things

  • Don’t rub or press on your eye
  • Don’t use expired or unprescribed eye medications
  • Don’t share towels, pillows, or eye cosmetics
  • Don’t skip protective eyewear during work or sports
  • Don’t ignore persistent redness, pain, or blurred vision
  • Don’t expose your eyes to smoke, dust, or chemical fumes
  • Don’t expose eyes to dirt, smoke, or wind

Recovery Timeline

Day 1: Clarity begins, mild irritation is normal

Day 3-7: Vision stabilizes significantly

Week 2: Most activity restrictions are lifted

1 Month: Final visual outcome achieved, full recovery complete

Advanced Diagnostic Equipment

We use cutting-edge technology for precise diagnosis and optimal surgical outcomes

Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy

Anterior Segment Examination

Detailed examination of the cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids, and tear film using high-magnification light to detect infections, injuries, dry eye, and other external eye abnormalities accurately.

Corneal Mapping

Corneal Topography & Tomography

Creates precise 3D maps of corneal curvature and thickness to diagnose keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, and pre-surgical assessments for corneal and refractive procedures with high accuracy.

Specular Microscopy

Corneal Endothelium Analysis

Non-invasive imaging that analyzes corneal endothelial cells, helping evaluate corneal health before surgeries like cataract or transplant and monitor damage from disease or trauma.

Ocular Surface Analysis

Tear Film & Surface Evaluation

Advanced diagnostic screening that measures tear stability, gland function, and surface health to identify dry-eye disease severity and create tailored treatment plans for long-term relief.

Pachymetry

Corneal Pachymetric Assessment

Measures corneal thickness using ultrasonic or optical methods, essential for glaucoma risk evaluation, corneal disease monitoring, and determining eligibility for refractive or crosslinking treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What symptoms require urgent corneal evaluation?

Severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, redness, photophobia, foreign body sensation, persistent tearing, or a visible corneal ulcer or opacity require urgent corneal evaluation. Prompt attention prevents complications like infection, scarring, or permanent vision loss.

How long does recovery take after corneal transplant?

Initial visual improvement occurs within weeks, but complete healing and visual stabilization may take 6–12 months. Suture removal and regular follow-ups are required, and patients must use medications to prevent rejection and infection throughout the recovery period.

Can keratoconus be cured?

Keratoconus cannot be completely cured, but progression can be slowed with treatments like corneal cross-linking. Vision can be improved with glasses, contact lenses, or in advanced cases, corneal transplant, restoring function though not permanently “curing” the disease.

Ready to See Clearly Again?

Schedule your comprehensive cataract evaluation today and take the first step toward brighter, sharper vision.