Corneal and External Diseases

The WVU Eye Institute provides both medical and surgical treatment of disorders that affect the cornea and other external structures of the eye.

Some of the surgical procedures we commonly perform include:

• cornea transplant
• cataract surgery for high-risk patients
• refractive surgery
• trauma reconstruction

The cornea is the clear dome-shaped structure responsible for transmitting light into the eye as well as serving an important protective function. When misshapen and/or scarred, vision can be compromised.

In addition to performing laser correction for astigmatism, near sightedness and far sightedness, our doctors can also use the laser to correct certain scarring conditions.

Both partial thickness (lamellar) and full thickness (penetrating) corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) are performed frequently at the WVU Eye Institute.

We also offer standard small incision cataract surgery, and we treat complex cataract cases, such as dislocated lenses and mature cataracts. The doctors often perform secondary intraocular lens implants.

WVU is one of just a few eye institutes in the nation to perform a new cornea transplant procedure called ALTK, or automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty.

Our services also include care and treatment for conditions such as dry eye, allergies, and infections of the eye.