Cornea & KeratoconusAn Overview
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye responsible for focusing light. When it becomes damaged, diseased, or irregular, vision suffers. Our fellowship-trained cornea specialists provide advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments for keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, ectasia, and corneal scarring, including the full range of corneal transplant procedures.
10K+
Procedures Performed by Our Cornea Team
6
Corneal Transplant Types Offered
Fellowship-Trained Cornea Expertise Advanced transplant and cross-linking procedures for complex corneal conditions.
Corneal Transplants
PKP, DSEK, DMEK & DALK
iLink Cross-Linking
FDA-approved for keratoconus
Intacs Implants
Corneal ring segments
Keratoconus Care
Full-spectrum management
Cornea Specialists
Fellowship-trained surgeons
Concerned About Your Corneal Health?
Whether you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, need a second opinion on a corneal transplant, or are experiencing changes in your vision, our cornea team is here to help.
Schedule a Cornea ConsultationCornea & Keratoconus Services & Resources
Your Cornea Is in Expert Hands
Our cornea service is led by fellowship-trained surgeons who specialize exclusively in diseases and surgery of the cornea, external eye, and refractive conditions. With more than 10,000 combined procedures, our team provides the full spectrum of care from corneal cross-linking and Intacs implantation to penetrating and lamellar transplant surgery.
Fellowship-Trained Cornea Surgeons
10,000+ Procedures Performed
FDA-Approved iLink Cross-Linking
Introduced Custom LASIK to New England
Fellowship-Trained Cornea & Refractive Surgeon
Our Cornea Specialists
Meet the fellowship-trained surgeons who lead our cornea and keratoconus program.
Suresh Mandava, M.D.
Fellowship-trained in cornea and refractive surgery. Dr. Mandava performs penetrating and lamellar corneal transplants, including DSEK, DMEK, DALK, and pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft. With extensive experience across more than 10,000 procedures, he introduced Custom LASIK to New England and serves as medical director of Fairfield County Laser Vision.
View Full Profile
Bella Wolf, M.D.
Fellowship in cornea at the University of Illinois Chicago. Dr. Wolf is experienced in laser-assisted cataract surgery and corneal transplantation techniques, including penetrating keratoplasty, DSEK, and DMEK. She provides comprehensive corneal disease management for keratoconus, dystrophies, and post-surgical complications.
View Full ProfileAdvanced Corneal Technology
From surface mapping and endothelial cell analysis to FDA-approved cross-linking treatment, our cornea technologies support early detection, surgical planning, and the preservation of corneal integrity.
Cornea 550 Topographer
Uses 22-ring Placido disc technology to map over 22,000 points on the corneal surface, vital for diagnosing keratoconus, evaluating irregular astigmatism, planning refractive surgery, and achieving a proper contact lens fit.
SP-1P Specular Microscope
Evaluates corneal endothelial cell density and morphology, essential for pre-surgical planning, monitoring corneal transplants, and assessing conditions like Fuchs dystrophy that affect the inner corneal layer.
iLink Corneal Cross-Linking
An FDA-approved cross-linking system using Photrexa riboflavin drops and KXL UV light to strengthen corneal collagen and slow or halt the progression of keratoconus and other corneal ectatic conditions.
Corneal Transplant & Treatment Options
We offer the full range of corneal transplant techniques, selecting the approach best suited to each patient's specific condition and disease severity.
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP)
Full-thickness corneal transplant that replaces all layers of the cornea with donor tissue. Used for advanced keratoconus, severe scarring, and conditions affecting multiple corneal layers.
Learn MoreDSEK (Endothelial Transplant)
A partial-thickness transplant that replaces only the innermost layer of the cornea. DSEK offers faster recovery and a lower rejection rate compared to full-thickness surgery, making it ideal for Fuchs dystrophy.
Learn MoreDMEK (Endothelial Transplant)
The most advanced endothelial transplant, replacing only the Descemet membrane and endothelium. DMEK delivers the fastest visual recovery and lowest rejection rates of any corneal transplant technique.
Learn MoreDALK (Anterior Lamellar Transplant)
Replaces the anterior corneal layers while preserving the patient's own endothelium. DALK eliminates endothelial rejection risk, making it an excellent option for keratoconus patients with healthy endothelial cells.
Learn MoreiLink Corneal Cross-Linking
A minimally invasive procedure that uses UV light and riboflavin drops to strengthen corneal collagen fibers. Cross-linking is the only FDA-approved treatment to slow or halt the progression of keratoconus.
Learn MoreIntacs Corneal Ring Segments
Small, arc-shaped implants inserted into the corneal stroma to reshape the cornea and improve vision in keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia. Intacs can be combined with cross-linking for enhanced results.
Learn MoreCorneal Conditions We Treat
Our cornea team manages the full spectrum of corneal diseases, from common conditions to complex surgical cases.
Keratoconus Management
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, producing progressive blurring and distortion. Our team offers a comprehensive management pathway that begins with corneal topography and cross-linking to stabilize the cornea, followed by Intacs or contact lens fitting for visual rehabilitation, and transplant surgery when needed.
Learn more: Keratoconus Overview and Keratoconus Treatment Options
Fuchs Dystrophy & Endothelial Disease
Fuchs dystrophy causes gradual loss of endothelial cells that keep the cornea clear. As the disease progresses, the cornea swells and vision becomes hazy, particularly in the morning. We offer the latest partial-thickness transplant techniques, DSEK and DMEK, which replace only the damaged inner layer and allow faster visual recovery.
Learn more: Fuchs Dystrophy Guide and DMEK vs DSAEK Comparison
Post-LASIK Ectasia & Corneal Scarring
Corneal ectasia after LASIK is a rare but serious complication in which the cornea thins and bulges after refractive surgery. Our cornea team manages ectasia with cross-linking to halt progression and Intacs or specialty contact lenses to restore functional vision. For significant corneal scarring, transplant surgery may be recommended.
Learn more: Corneal Ectasia After LASIK and Corneal Transplant Guide
What to Expect at Your Cornea Consultation
Your first visit includes a thorough evaluation of your corneal health, visual function, and treatment options tailored to your diagnosis.
When Should You See a Cornea Specialist?
You should schedule a cornea consultation if you experience progressively worsening vision that glasses cannot fully correct, frequent prescription changes, glare or halos around lights, morning blurriness that clears during the day, or if you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, Fuchs dystrophy, or another corneal condition.
Patients who have experienced corneal trauma, a non-healing corneal ulcer, or complications after LASIK or other refractive surgery should also seek specialized corneal care promptly.
Our cornea team sees patients referred from across Connecticut and the surrounding region for conditions that require subspecialty surgical expertise.
Cornea & Keratoconus Education & Guides
Browse our complete library of cornea and keratoconus topics to learn more about your condition, treatment options, and what to expect.
Diseases & Dystrophies
Infections & Related Conditions
- Corneal Ulcer: Emergency Treatment
- Herpes Simplex Keratitis
- Fungal Keratitis
- Acanthamoeba Keratitis
- Chemical Conjunctivitis
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
- Entropion (Inward-Turning Eyelid)
- Dacryocystitis (Tear Duct Infection)
- Oxygen and Contact Lenses
- Contact Lens Spots
- Night Contact Lenses (Ortho-K)
- Contacts Without a Prescription?
- Multifocal Contact Lenses
- Overnight Contacts: Safety Guide
Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Our cornea specialists evaluate your corneal topography, thickness, endothelial cell count, and overall eye health before recommending any procedure. Schedule a comprehensive cornea consultation today.
Book a Cornea ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about keratoconus, corneal transplants, cross-linking, and corneal disease management.
What is keratoconus and how is it treated?
What is corneal cross-linking and who is a candidate?
What is the difference between DSEK, DMEK, DALK, and PKP?
How long is recovery after a corneal transplant?
What are Intacs and how do they help with keratoconus?
Can keratoconus lead to blindness?
What is a pterygium and when does it need surgery?
Ready to Protect Your Corneal Health?
Call our office or request a consultation online. Our fellowship-trained cornea specialists are here to help you see clearly again.
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Wednesday: 8AM-5PM
Thursday: 8AM-5PM
Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday: 10AM-2PM
Sunday: Closed
