Cornea and Refractive (Laser Vision) Surgery

The cornea is the eye's outermost layer. It is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye and plays an important part in the eye's visual acuity. The Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at Mass. Eye and Ear is dedicated to the health and functioning of the cornea, by providing excellence in patient care, scientific advancement and specialty training.

Our unparalleled expertise and state-of-the-art equipment allow us to offer excellent medical and surgical treatment of the full range of routine, complex and high-risk corneal and external diseases, as well as the most current vision correction procedures.

The Cornea Service at Mass. Eye and Ear has been at the forefront of many medical and surgical advances in the field. New programs have been developed for patients with severe corneal scarring, including stem cell transplantation, ocular surface reconstruction, lamellar keratoplasty and keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea) surgery. The Cornea Service also acts as a regional resource for the management of difficult and sight-threatening diseases, including corneal ulcers, severe viral disease and dry eye syndrome.

Laser vision correction (refractive surgery) is a term given to surgical procedures designed to correct certain vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. These procedures use a laser beam to help reshape the cornea. Our physicians perform more than 1,200 vision correction procedures annually, using the most advanced techniques and technology available today. You can trust our physicians to help you choose the right solution to achieve your vision goals. Our goal is to provide you with the facts and resources you need to make the decision that is best for your situation.

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