Patients with keratoconus have a condition where their corneal tissue has started to thin, causing the front of the eye to bulge out into a cone shape. At Idaho Eye and Laser Center, we can offer some keratoconus patients a procedure called CTAK (Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty) to improve the corneal shape and visual acuity without resorting to a corneal transplant.
What is CTAK?
CTAK involves the addition of customized tissue to the eye to improve the curvature of the cornea. 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.
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
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.
