When corneal health is compromised, it can lead to discomfort, reduced vision, and long-term eye damage if left untreated. At the Eye Institute of Austin, our fellowship-trained corneal specialists provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and advanced surgical solutions for patients throughout Central Texas.
Experiencing corneal issues? Call us today at 512-454-8744 or schedule your evaluation online.
Expert Corneal Specialists in Austin
Our clinic is home to three board-certified cornea specialists: Dr. Gary Rylander, Dr. Jason Feuerman, and Dr. Annie Chan. Each completed advanced fellowship training in corneal disease and surgery, including corneal transplantation procedures. For routine corneal concerns, all of our general ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat most corneal diseases, with our specialists available for complex cases requiring surgical expertise.
Corneal Conditions We Treat in Austin
Keratoconus – Progressive thinning and cone-shaped protrusion of the central cornea, causing significant vision distortion. May require specialized contact lenses or corneal transplant surgery.
Fuchs’ Dystrophy – A hereditary condition causing microscopic deposits on the cornea’s back surface, leading to clouding, swelling, and blurred vision.
Bullous Keratopathy – A degenerative process causing corneal swelling with blister-like elevations that reduce vision and cause painful surface erosions.
Corneal Ulcers – Tissue loss with inflammation, often from bacterial, fungal, or viral infections related to improper contact lens use or autoimmune diseases. Requires prompt specialist treatment.
Corneal Abrasions – Scratches on the corneal surface causing acute pain and foreign-body sensation.
Dry Eye Syndrome – Insufficient tear production or excessive evaporation causing burning, irritation, redness, and sometimes vision fluctuation.
Foreign Body Removal – Professional extraction of embedded material following ocular trauma.
Advanced Corneal Surgery
For patients whose vision cannot be restored through medical management alone, our corneal specialists perform advanced surgical procedures, including full-thickness and partial-thickness corneal transplantation. This procedure replaces scarred or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue, often dramatically improving vision and quality of life.
When to See a Corneal Specialist
Seek prompt evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent redness or irritation
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Significant light sensitivity
- Eye pain lasting more than a day
- Sudden vision changes
Schedule Your Corneal Evaluation Today
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserving your eye health. Our conveniently located Austin clinic serves patients throughout Central Texas, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville.
Call 512-454-8744 or contact us online to schedule your appointment with one of our corneal specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a general ophthalmologist and a corneal specialist?
Corneal specialists complete an additional 1-2 years of fellowship training focused exclusively on complex corneal conditions and advanced surgical techniques. Our general ophthalmologists handle routine cases, while Dr. Rylander, Dr. Feuerman, and Dr. Chan provide specialized care for complex conditions requiring surgical expertise.
How do I know if I need corneal transplant surgery?
Transplant surgery is recommended when corneal scarring, swelling, or disease cannot be managed with medications and vision loss significantly impacts daily life. Our specialists will perform comprehensive testing to determine if you’re a candidate and discuss all treatment options.
What should I expect during a corneal evaluation?
A comprehensive evaluation includes medical history review, visual acuity testing, slit-lamp examination, and often specialized corneal imaging. The evaluation typically takes 45-60 minutes and allows accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Are corneal treatments covered by insurance?
Most medically necessary corneal evaluations and treatments, including transplant surgery, are covered by insurance. Our staff will verify your benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs before treatment. We accept most major insurance plans.
How quickly should I seek treatment for corneal problems?
Sudden vision loss, severe pain, or suspected ulcers require same-day evaluation. Gradual changes or mild irritation should be evaluated within days to weeks. Call 512-454-8744 if you’re unsure about urgency.