What is CTAK?
CTAK adds sterilized donor tissue to reshape the cornea and improve vision without resorting to a corneal transplant.
CTAK is a procedure that may benefit some patients with keratoconus. It involves the addition of sterilized tissue to the eye to improve the curvature of the cornea and visual acuity without resorting to a corneal transplant.
The sterilized tissue used during these procedures is received from an eye bank, meeting strict standards to minimize the risk of complications.
How is CTAK Performed?
Using this donated tissue and a femtosecond laser, our doctors create a customized inlay to fit around the cone-shaped portion of the cornea – unique for every individual.
In order to create this inlay as precisely as possible, we rely on specialized software to create a map of your cornea so we know the exact dimensions of the cone and what shape of corneal tissue needs to be added to the eye.
The same femtosecond laser is used to create a channel in the cornea through which to insert the donated corneal tissue.
Most patients report that they are comfortable during this procedure which typically takes less than 30 minutes.
01
Map the Cornea
Specialized software creates a detailed map of the cornea, including the exact dimensions and shape of the cone.
02
Create the Customized Inlay
Donated tissue and a femtosecond laser are used to create an inlay customized for the individual eye.
03
Insert the Donor Tissue
The femtosecond laser creates a channel in the cornea through which the donated corneal tissue is inserted.
Typically less than 30 minutes
Designed for patient comfort
Most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
Benefits of CTAK
- Most patients experience vision improvement within a week
- Clinical trials have shown significant improvement in patients’ vision
- Appropriate for thin corneas
- No corneal tissue is removed from the eye (unlike a corneal transplant)
- Fully customized for each unique eye
- Less invasive than a corneal transplant
- Corneal topography (bulging) may improve
Improving Keratoconus Symptoms
While CTAK is not a cure for keratoconus, the procedure can improve your quality of life and help minimize the symptoms of keratoconus:
- Vision distortion
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Irritation
- Glare
- Ghosting
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with keratoconus and you would like to learn more about CTAK in Idaho, please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our corneal specialists.