The cornea is masterfully engineered so that only the most expensive manmade lenses can match its precision. The smoothness and shape of the cornea is as vitally important to its proper functioning as is its transparency. If either the surface smoothness or the clarity of the cornea suffers, vision will become distorted. Although appearing to be one clear membrane, the cornea is actually composed of five distinct layers of tissue, each with its own function. The thin outer layer, or epithelium, is a reliable barrier against corneal infection. It usually must be damaged before an infectious agent can get a start in the middle layer (stroma) of the cornea. This middle layer is made of collagen, a connective tissue.
We can tolerate very large scars on our bodies with no concern except for our vanity. Not true on the cornea! Even a minor scar can impair one’s vision. No matter how well the rest of the eye is functioning, if the cornea is scarred, clouded or distorted, vision will be affected.
Dr Kaldawy is the area’s only full time specialist in corneal diseases. Having started a full corneal transplantation service locally, Dr. Kaldawy is proud to have been the first surgeon in central Massachusetts and among a handful of surgeons in the State to have performed DSAEK corneal transplantation. With this extremely delicate microsurgical procedure, healing is quick and rehabilitation is easy.