A cornea specialist is a doctor who specializes in treating patients who have problems with the cornea, the clear covering that covers the outside of the eye. Cornea specialists can practice independently or as part of a larger ophthalmology group. Diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of ocular conditions involving the cornea are among their responsibilities. A medical degree and a valid license are required to practice in this field.
When another doctor believes the patient would benefit from someone with extensive knowledge in this field, the patient may be referred to a cornea specialist. Others may choose to self-refer based on their symptoms and make their own appointments with the specialist. Typically, appointments begin with a consultation to obtain medical information and a brief examination of the patient’s eyes. This allows the doctor to gather information before making a decision.
Additional testing may be required to determine the nature of the corneal condition and to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate. In other cases, the doctor may be able to give the patient immediate information about his or her options. Medication and surgical procedures may be used to treat issues ranging from corneal scarring to infections. Patients may be required to return for follow-up appointments several times during treatment to allow the doctor to examine the eye and track treatment progress.
A cornea specialist may perform procedures such as corneal transplants and surgical debridement of eyes with debris or infectious material trapped in or on the cornea. Some procedures, such as a quick rinse of the eye to remove debris, can be done in a clinic or office. In some cases, the cornea specialist will need to work in an operating room that has been specifically designed for these procedures. Large eye clinics may have their own operating rooms, while smaller clinics may be able to arrange space at a hospital as needed.
A cornea specialist can help with chronic corneal disease as well as acute medical problems. These doctors, like other health-care professionals, may pursue continuing education to maintain their licenses and provide the best possible care to their patients. Conferences, trade publications, and trainings provide opportunities to learn new skills and keep up with the latest developments in the field. Treatment options are constantly evolving, so knowing which treatments are available and how they can be used in order to provide this information to patients can be beneficial.