Understanding the Cornea and Its Role

The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped layer at the front of your eye, essential for focusing light onto the retina. Damage or disease in this tissue can cause blurred vision, irritation, or visual distortion. At Eye Surgeons of Indiana, our corneal transplants in Kokomo use the latest imaging and surgical technology to help you maintain the health of your eyes for years to come.

Who Can Benefit From Corneal Surgery?

Cornea surgery may be appropriate when non-surgical treatments cannot sufficiently address your symptoms. Common candidates include individuals with:

  • Non-healing corneal ulcers
  • Degenerative conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy
  • Scarring or thinning of the cornea affecting vision
  • Progressive keratoconus or other corneal dystrophies
  • Chronic infections or inflammation damaging the cornea

Surgical Options for Corneal Health

Full Corneal Transplant

Penetrating keratoplasty (transplant) replaces the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. This surgery can restore vision and clarity for patients with scarring, dystrophies, or thinning. After your corneal transplant in Kokomo, IN, follow-up visits monitor healing and ensure optimal visual outcomes.

Partial-Thickness Transplants (DSAEK)

DSAEK (Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty) replaces only the innermost corneal layer. This minimally invasive procedure promotes faster recovery, reduces the risk of complications, and stabilizes vision more quickly than full-thickness transplants.

DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty)

DMEK is a refined transplant technique targeting the innermost corneal layer. Patients benefit from faster visual recovery, lower rejection rates, and minimal disruption to daily activities compared with traditional transplants and even DSAEK.

Neurotrophic Keratitis Care

This condition has to do with nerve dysfunction in the eye. For corneas that lose sensitivity and fail to heal, treatments such as regenerative eye drops and amniotic membrane grafts help restore healing and comfort.

Infectious Keratitis Management

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the cornea can threaten vision. Our Kokomo team provides rapid diagnosis and targeted care, including antimicrobial therapy, tissue debridement, or surgical intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Lamellar and Superficial Keratectomy

Lamellar keratectomy removes deeper layers affected by disease or scarring, while superficial keratectomy treats surface irregularities. Both procedures preserve healthy tissue, improve vision, and relieve discomfort.

Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus

Cross-linking strengthens corneal collagen fibers to slow or halt keratoconus (top corneal tissue thinning) progression, maintaining clearer vision and reducing the need for more invasive surgery.

Common Conditions We Treat

  • Keratoconus: Monitoring and treatments include transplantation and corneal cross-linking in Kokomo, when necessary.
  • Fuchs’ Dystrophy: Endothelial procedures like DSAEK or DMEK restore corneal clarity and long-term comfort.
  • Pterygium: Surgical removal of tissue growths, like the pterygium, preserves corneal shape, reduces irritation, and prevents recurrence.

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Why Patients Choose Eye Surgeons of Indiana

For decades, Eye Surgeons of Indiana has grown and advanced while remaining firmly committed to innovation, excellence, and compassionate care. We invest in leading-edge facilities, adopt the latest medical and surgical technologies, and engage in clinical research, all to continually elevate the treatment options available to our patients. Our advanced procedures, like collagen cross-linking in Kokomo, are what our clients and referring doctors trust when they need the highest level of specialized surgical expertise.

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Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Recovery time depends on the type of corneal surgery you have. Surface procedures usually heal within a few days to a few weeks, while partial or full transplants like DSAEK or DMEK can take several months for vision to fully stabilize. You’ll come back for follow-up visits so your eye can be checked, including your vision and corneal healing. Your doctor will give you clear instructions—such as using prescribed eye drops and protecting the eye—to help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results.

I am happy with my care. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and caring.

L.J.

Professional & friendly all the way from 
check-in to surgeon. Best run office I’ve ever been to. Surgery & sight as promised.

Anne H.

Had a visit with Dr. Morrow today and he was very thorough and helpful. I’d recommend this establishment to anyone.

Aron J.

Very efficient. Wait time limited and they 
got me in quickly. Went above and beyond to make sure I was attended to.

MJ K.

Very good experience. The best part was meeting the team everyone was so friendly. And I like the Dr I had. He was very thorough.

Delores B.

I am thrilled with the level of service that 
I have received. All staff members have been excellent to work with.

Clay O.
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Benefits of Corneal Surgery

  • Clearer, more comfortable vision
  • Relief from irritation or pain
  • Preservation of long-term corneal health
  • Enhanced quality of life for reading, driving, and daily activities

Frequently Asked Questions Cornea Surgery

How do I know if I need cornea surgery?

If medications or lenses do not adequately improve vision or manage corneal disease, surgery may be recommended. Our specialists evaluate corneal health, scarring, and thickness to make the best recommendation.

Is cornea surgery safe?

Yes. Our board-certified surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize risk and optimize outcomes while preserving healthy tissue.

Will I need glasses afterward?

Some patients achieve improved vision without lenses, while others may still require glasses or contacts for optimal clarity.

Can surgery prevent further vision loss?

Yes. Early intervention can stop progression, reduce discomfort, and maintain long-term vision. Regular follow-ups ensure ongoing eye health.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 765.703.8167.
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