Corneal specialists diagnose, treat and manage eye conditions related to the cornea. They may perform surgeries and need a medical degree and valid license. Patients may self-refer or be referred by another physician. Continuing education is important to stay up-to-date with new techniques and treatment options.
A corneal specialist focuses on caring for patients with health issues related to the cornea, the clear structure that covers the outside of the eye. Corneal specialists may work alone or as part of a larger ophthalmology practice. Your job may include diagnosing, treating and managing a variety of eye conditions involving the cornea. To practice in this field, it is necessary to have a medical degree and a valid license.
Patients may consult a corneal specialist by referral when another physician feels that the patient would be better served by someone with an extensive body of knowledge in that field. Others may self-refer based on their symptoms and may request appointments directly with the specialist. Appointments usually begin with an appointment to collect a medical history and briefly examine the patient’s eyes. This allows the doctor to gather information to decide how to proceed.
Some additional testing may be needed to determine the nature of the condition involving the cornea and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. In other cases, the physician may provide the patient with immediate information about options. This can include medications and surgical procedures to address issues ranging from corneal scarring to infections. Patients may need to return several times during treatment for follow-up appointments to allow the doctor to inspect the eyes and monitor treatment progress.
Surgical procedures that a corneal specialist can offer may include transplants and surgical debridement of eyes with debris or infectious material trapped in or on the cornea. Some procedures can be performed in a clinic or office, such as a quick eye rinse to remove debris. In other cases, the cornea specialist needs to work in an operating room prepared for these procedures. Large eye clinics may maintain their own operating facilities, while others may arrange for hospital space as needed.
Chronic corneal disease, as well as acute medical problems, may be covered by a corneal specialist. Like other care providers, these physicians may pursue continuing education to maintain their licenses and provide the best care for their patients. Conferences, trade publications, and training provide opportunities to learn new techniques and study the latest information in the field. Treatment options are constantly expanding and it can help to become familiar with what treatments are available and how they can be applied to provide this information to patients.
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