# Cornea Treatments

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/cornea-treatments

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-08

> **Summary:** Cornea treatments cover the methods used for diseases of the cornea, the clear dome-shaped front layer of the eye: corneal transplantation, correction of surface irregularities, treatment of keratitis and microcornea, and for keratoconus corneal ring implantation and crosslinking. Healing after corneal treatment generally takes from a few days to a few weeks depending on the disease and the treatment.

## Quick Facts
- **Conditions covered:** Conjunctivitis, microcornea, keratitis, keratoconus, corneal diseases needing transplantation
- **Keratoconus treatments:** Corneal ring implantation (femtosecond laser tunnel), crosslinking (riboflavin plus UV-A light for 10-30 minutes depending on the protocol), corneal transplantation
- **Microcornea:** Horizontal corneal diameter below 10 mm in a normal-sized eyeball
- **Healing:** A few days to a few weeks, with regular check-ups

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## What are Cornea Treatments?
Methods for diseases of the cornea: corneal transplantation (replacing corneal tissue), interventions to correct irregularities of the corneal surface, and techniques for treating corneal diseases. The cornea is the transparent dome at the front of the eye that lets light in and focuses it on the retina, maintains the shape of the eye and protects it from infections.

## Conjunctiva
A thin, transparent membrane covering the white of the eye (sclera) and the inside of the eyelids; it moisturises the eye and protects it from infections and external factors. Its inflammation, from infection or allergic reaction, is conjunctivitis.

## Microcornea
The horizontal diameter of the cornea is less than 10 mm in a normal-sized eyeball, which can affect the quality of vision. Microcornea itself cannot be corrected; an accompanying refractive error is treated with glasses or contact lenses, and glaucoma or cataract with surgery if needed.

## Keratitis
Inflammation of the transparent, dome-shaped cornea, causing pain, redness and blurred vision. Antibiotics, eye drops or medicines are used for treatment.

## Keratoconus
The cornea's normal curvature gradually increases and the cornea bulges forward, producing an asymmetrical astigmatism that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses; quality of vision and quality of life can be severely affected. Treated with corneal rings, crosslinking or corneal transplantation.

## Corneal Ring Implantation
- One of the most reliable treatments for keratoconus: small semicircular transparent rings are implanted into the cornea through a tunnel made with a femtosecond laser, so the procedure is very short and the complication risk very low.
- The rings are not noticeable from the outside and are not felt like contact lenses; they are placed outside the visual centre, so they leave no permanent scar affecting vision.
- They can be removed by a doctor at any time.

## Crosslinking
- UV-A light is applied to the cornea after riboflavin drops, for 10-30 minutes depending on the protocol; no incision, only the surface layer is removed.
- The cross-links in the weak, forward-sagging corneal layer are strengthened; in patients whose glasses prescription is increasing, the aim is to stop the increase.

## Corneal Transplantation
The diseased or damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a healthy cornea, for patients with vision loss or severe corneal diseases.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What is corneal treatment and which methods are used?**
A: Intervention for diseases and disorders of the cornea: corneal transplantation, corneal surface correction surgeries, keratoconus treatment and crosslinking.

**Q: What is microcornea and how is it treated?**
A: A cornea with a smaller horizontal diameter than normal, which can affect vision. It cannot itself be corrected; an accompanying refractive error is treated with glasses or contact lenses, and glaucoma or cataract with surgery if needed.

**Q: What is keratitis and how is it treated?**
A: Inflammation of the cornea with pain, redness and blurred vision; treated with antibiotics, eye drops or medicines.

**Q: What is keratoconus and how is it treated?**
A: The cornea sags forward and distorts, causing astigmatism; treated with corneal rings, crosslinking or corneal transplantation.

**Q: What is corneal ring implantation?**
A: Transparent small rings implanted into the cornea of keratoconus patients to improve vision quality; invisible from outside and comfortable.

**Q: What is crosslinking?**
A: After riboflavin drops, UV light is applied to strengthen the corneal cross-links in keratoconus treatment.

**Q: How is corneal transplantation performed?**
A: The diseased or damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a healthy one, for patients with vision loss or severe corneal disease.

**Q: How does healing work after cornea treatment?**
A: It varies with the disease and treatment; generally a few days to a few weeks, with regular medical check-ups.