Corneal transplant surgery can help restore vision for patients who have sustained damage to their cornea from trauma, surgery, or corneal dystrophies and degenerations. If the corneal problem involves only the extreme anterior portion of the cornea, Dr. Collins may perform PTK (phototherapeutic keratectomy), a laser procedure to remove scar tissue and irregularities on the surface of the eye. If the corneal problem primarily involves the posterior part of the cornea Dr. Collins may perform a DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping with Endothelial Keratoplasty) procedure. With a DSEK procedure only the abnormal posterior lining of the cornea is removed. A thin, circular disc is then removed from the posterior lining of a donor cornea. This is folded and place inside of the eye where an air bubble pushes it in place until it heals in an appropriate position. No sutures are required and the structure of the cornea remains intact, leading to a faster visual recovery and less astigmatism.

Ocular sun damage, where scar tissue develops and can threaten vision, is a common problem in southwest Florida. Sometimes this can result in precancerous and cancerous lesions on the eye. Dr. Collins has successfully treated these types of problems for many patients in the area. He also specializes in anterior ocular reconstruction.