Expert Corneal Care in Rodgers, AR
Healthy Eyes, Healthy Vision
Your vision is precious, and when it comes to specialized care for the cornea, you deserve to be in the hands of experts. At BoozmanHof, our experienced team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of corneal conditions, using the latest advancements in medical and surgical care. Whether you’re experiencing vision changes, discomfort, or a diagnosed corneal disease, we’re here to help you see clearly and comfortably again.
What Is the Cornea and Why Is It Important?
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye. It plays a vital role in focusing light onto the retina, allowing you to see sharp and detailed images. A healthy cornea is essential for clear vision, but when it becomes damaged, diseased, or irregularly shaped, it can significantly impact how well you see. Corneal disorders can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, pain, and discomfort.
Common Corneal Conditions:
The cornea can be affected by a variety of conditions, including:
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Keratoconus – A progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea that causes distortion, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light. This condition often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can worsen over time without treatment.
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Corneal Scarring – Injury, infection, or previous surgery can cause scarring, leading to cloudiness and reduced vision. Scarring may result from conditions like herpes simplex keratitis, severe dry eye, or trauma to the eye.
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Fuchs’ Dystrophy – A genetic condition where the inner layer of the cornea (endothelium) deteriorates, causing fluid buildup, swelling, glare, and blurred vision. It often worsens with age, leading to vision impairment in later life.
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Dry Eye Disease – A common condition where the eyes do not produce enough quality tears to keep the surface of the cornea properly lubricated. This can cause discomfort, irritation, redness, and fluctuating vision.
Advanced Treatments for Corneal Conditions
At BoozmanHof, we offer a variety of cutting-edge treatments to address corneal conditions and restore visual clarity:
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Corneal Transplants (Penetrating Keratoplasty, PKP) – A full-thickness corneal transplant procedure where a damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. This is used for severe corneal scarring, keratoconus, and advanced corneal disease.
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DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) – A minimally invasive corneal transplant that replaces only the innermost layer of the cornea. DMEK provides faster recovery and a lower risk of rejection compared to traditional transplants, making it a preferred option for Fuchs’ dystrophy and endothelial dysfunction.
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DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) – Similar to DMEK but involves transplanting a slightly thicker layer of donor tissue, making it suitable for patients with more extensive corneal disease.
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Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) – A revolutionary procedure for keratoconus that strengthens the cornea by using ultraviolet (UV) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops. This treatment helps slow or halt the progression of the disease, reducing the need for corneal transplantation in many patients.
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Amniotic Membrane Therapy – Used to promote healing in cases of severe dry eye, corneal ulcers, and persistent epithelial defects. The amniotic membrane provides anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties to support corneal repair.
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Specialty Contact Lenses – For conditions like keratoconus and severe dry eye, specialized lenses such as scleral lenses can provide improved comfort and visual acuity by creating a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea.
Our Corneal Specialist - Dr. Michael Waggoner
Dr. Waggoner is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in cataract, LASIK, and corneal surgery. Over the course of his career, he has performed thousands of cataract and LASIK procedures. He is northwest Arkansas’ only fellowship trained LASIK and corneal surgeon.
Dr. Waggoner is an alumnus of Rogers High School and the University of Arkansas. He completed his medical education at the University of North Texas-TCOM, his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Missouri and a subspecialty fellowship in Cataract, LASIK, and Corneal Disease at the Dean McGee Eye Institute.
Healthy Eyes, Healthy Vision
Our dedicated team of eye specialists takes the time to understand your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. We combine advanced diagnostic tools with years of experience to offer the best possible care for any issues that you may be having with your vision.