Corneal Center

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye that bends incoming light and accounts for most of your eye’s focusing power. When the cornea develops disease, scarring, or injury, it can distort how light enters the eye and lead to blurred vision, light sensitivity, or distorted vision.

At Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery, our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and treating a full range of corneal problems. Whether you’re living with keratoconus, recovering from eye injuries, or managing certain eye conditions that affect corneal clarity, we are here to restore your sight and protect your long-term eye health. With personalized treatment options and expert care, we guide you through every step of the healing process.

Every patient’s corneal health is unique, which is why we provide a wide range of treatment options to fit your needs. For mild symptoms, prescription eyeglasses or specialized contact lenses may help restore clarity. When corneal conditions progress, we offer advanced treatments such as Intacs corneal implants, corneal transplants with healthy donor tissue, and corneal cross linking to strengthen weakened corneal fibers.

Our ophthalmologists use the latest technology to provide surgical procedures when necessary, as well as non-surgical therapies to maximize comfort and protect your vision. Whether you need relief from dry eye, treatment for infection, or long-term monitoring of keratoconus, you can expect individualized care and clear guidance from our experienced team.

Corneal dystrophies occur when abnormal material builds up in the layers of the cornea, causing it to become cloudy over time. This cloudiness can interfere with how light passes through the eye, leading to blurred or vision distortions that gradually worsens.

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that may be caused by infection, injury, or improper contact lens use. Symptoms often include pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and reduced vision, and treatment depends on the underlying cause.

A pterygium is a pink, wedge-shaped growth of tissue that develops on the surface of the cornea after long-term exposure to sunlight, dust, or wind. While small growths may only cause irritation, larger ones can distort vision and may require surgical removal.

Ocular herpes is a recurring viral infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can result in painful sores, inflammation, and scarring of the cornea, which may permanently affect vision if not managed quickly.

Shingles can reactivate in the eye years after a person has chickenpox, leading to a painful rash that spreads across the cornea and surrounding tissue. This condition often causes inflammation, scarring, and vision loss without prompt treatment.

Keratoconus is a progressive condition where the cornea develops a cone-like shape as its structure weakens and thins. This irregular shape distorts how light enters the eye, causing blurred vision, glare, and increased sensitivity to light.

Choosing the right corneal doctor makes all the difference in your eye health and vision. At Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery, our patients benefit from advanced treatments designed to restore clear vision and protect sight for years to come. We combine personalized treatment options with expert care to deliver clarity and confidence at every step.

Our experienced team offers a full range of vision services, from contact lenses and prescription eyewear to surgical procedures like corneal transplants with healthy donor tissue. We also specialize in innovative procedures such as corneal cross linking, which uses ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea and stop disease progression. Whether you’re facing keratoconus, recovering from eye injuries, or managing certain eye conditions, you can expect maximum comfort and compassionate, patient-centered treatment.

We use advanced diagnostic technology and comprehensive testing to identify corneal conditions early and create customized treatment plans. With several years of expertise, our board-certified ophthalmologists are trusted by patients across Charleston for outcomes that restore vision, reduce symptoms, and protect long-term eye health.

Warning Signs of Corneal Problems

• Blurred vision can make daily tasks like reading or driving more difficult.
• Light sensitivity or glare often interferes with comfortable, clear vision at night.
• Distorted vision occurs when the shape of the cornea changes abnormally.
• Eye pain or redness that lingers may signal a deeper corneal problem.
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions can indicate corneal changes.
• Visible clouding, scarring, or growths on the cornea may reduce clarity of sight.

Certain eye conditions like keratoconus or untreated infections can progress silently, causing irreversible damage to the cornea. By seeking treatment early, we can slow or stop progression, strengthen the cornea, and restore vision before permanent loss occurs.

Proactive care gives patients access to advanced options like cross linking, corneal transplants, or minimally invasive procedures when needed. With the guidance of our experienced physicians, you can feel confident knowing your vision is in expert hands.

Personalized Care for Every Corneal Condition

Your cornea plays a critical role in how clearly you see, yet many corneal issues can go unnoticed until they start affecting your vision. Whether you’re dealing with persistent irritation, sudden changes in clarity, or a diagnosed condition like keratoconus, prompt evaluation is key. Factors like eye injuries, infections, and inherited disorders can all impact corneal health, often with long-term consequences, if left untreated.

At Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery, we take a comprehensive, patient-first approach to corneal care. From your initial exam to advanced treatments like cross-linking or transplants, our team walks with you every step of the way. With expertise in both common and complex corneal conditions, we ensure you get the answers, treatment, and support you need to protect your vision for years to come.