Patient Procedures at Empire Eye Physicians

Initial treatment for an anterior disease of the cornea, like lubrication and other medications, is focused on minimizing symptoms. If conservative measures do not work, surgical options can be considered.

The superficial keratectomy procedure can be performed in the office or in an outpatient surgery center. After the eye surface is numb, the surgeon scrapes away the epithelial cells, which are the front layer of surface cells, exposing the underlying scar tissue or corneal deposit. Most procedures involve a combination of manual and mechanical techniques. The manual smoothing is performed with a blunt, hand-held instrument, allowing precise control over the tissue being removed. The mechanical technique involves a burr instrument that finely and evenly smooths the corneal surface. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the healing cells and minimize postoperative discomfort. Eye drops are applied regularly, and the healing time is generally 6-8 weeks.